The Southampton Mela Festival, in it’s 10th year is a free festival full of an assortment of musical styles, exhilarating dance acts and family fun activities celebrating South Asian culture. Over 17,000 people attended last year’s festival and organisers of the festival, Art Asia, say as long as Southampton is sunny they expect over 20,000 will experience Southampton’s biggest free festival.
 
Artists are announced nearer the time but will include leading musicians and dancers in Indian Classical, Bollywood, Folk, World Music, Qawwali, Asian fusion and Bhangra. As well as the main stage there are various workshops and demonstrations including arts and crafts, belly dancing, marital arts and drumming. The food court and bar offers a range of dishes and drinks from around the world.
 
Art Asia’s Chief Executive and Festival Programmer, Vinod Desai MBE, said:
“This is our 10th Festival, over the years it’s grown in size and visitor numbers but the friendly atmosphere remains the same. The Mela is a great opportunity for all the community to come along and take part”.
 
The Southampton Mela Festival opens at 12 through to 9pm at Hoglands Park, Southampton City Centre.
 
To find out more visit the Southampton Mela Festival website.
 
Picture Credit
Mela 2011 - Art Asia