Glasgow Mela is returning to Kelvingrove Park this June

The colourful celebration of the city's South Asian community features music, dance and art performances

The festival is being held on the last weekend of June
Author: Gergo PapPublished 9th Jun 2023

Glasgow Mela, the city’s free multicultural festival of music, dance and arts is returning to Kelvingrove Park this summer.

The 2023 Mela will feature a range of local and international acts and is expecting thousands of guests for a day of musical and artistic performances.

Glasgow Life, the charity that delivers culture and sport in Glasgow, has confirmed the free event will take place on Sunday 25th June.

The Mela, which means “gathering” in Sanskrit, is a South Asian celebration of Glasgow’s diverse communities which aims to promote local artists and their rich cultural heritage.

Acclaimed Scottish DJs Gtown Desi, Scottish-Indian crossover band Unison and Punjab folk legend Surinder Shinda are just some of the dance groups and musicians who will light up the Navras Stage.

The Hamara Stage will welcome the likes of Supermann on the Beat, Turas and Mishra, among others.

A popular event in Glasgow since 1990

The Mela has become an eagerly anticipated date in Glasgow’s cultural calendar and is the largest of its kind in Scotland.

Glasgow’s first Mela was held in 1990, when the city was named European City of Culture.

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “This year’s Mela will display in spectacular fashion the cultural diversity and creativity which flows through Glasgow.

"The event’s colourful programme of art, musical performances and food means there is something for everyone to enjoy."

A spokesperson for the Scottish-Asian Creative Artists Network said: “The Mela provides a platform to showcase various art forms while addressing issues within the diaspora.

"Through its diverse range of activities, the Glasgow Mela encourages people with unique cultural heritage to come together and appreciate the vibrancy of South Asian culture.”

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