Вход на сайт

Просмотр новости

Найдите то, что Вас интересует

Belfast Mela: Multicultural festival returns this August for landmark 20th anniversary

Дата публикации: 06-08-2026 15:10:20

The event has grown into the largest celebration of multiculturalism on the island of Ireland

Основное содержимое страницы с новостью.

The event has grown into the largest celebration of multiculturalism on the island of Ireland

Two decades after it first brought people together through culture to celebrate Northern Ireland’s growing diversity, the 2026 Belfast Mela returns later this month with a special 20th anniversary programme.

Now one of Northern Ireland’s best-loved festivals, Mela has grown into the largest celebration of multiculturalism on the island of Ireland.

Running from August 22-30, this year’s festival begins with the vibrant Mela Carnival on Saturday 22 August, followed by the world premiere of Earth Child at the Titanic Slipways on Sunday 23 August. An expanded Mela+ programme runs throughout the week, before Mela Day returns to Botanic Gardens on Sunday 30 August, with five stages, global street food, family activities and performances from around the world.

Since its beginnings in 2006, Belfast Mela has grown from a small community gathering into a cornerstone of Belfast's cultural calendar. Over the past 20 years, it has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors and showcased artists from across the island of Ireland and around the world, introducing audiences to new cultures, traditions and experiences.

The 20th anniversary programme was officially launched on Thursday by the deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Hedley Abernethy with First Minister Michelle O’Neill; deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly; Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and Finance Minister John O'Dowd joining funders, partners, artists and community representatives to mark the start of this milestone year.

The event also featured special performances by soul artist Manukahunney and the South Asian Dance Academy.

Festival founder and CEO of ArtsEkta, Nisha Tandon says reaching the 20th anniversary is an incredibly proud moment for everyone who has been part of Belfast Mela’s journey.

She added: “What makes this festival so special isn’t just its scale, but its ability to bring people together through shared experiences, creating spaces where different cultures are celebrated, new friendships are formed, and everyone feels they belong.

“This year’s programme reflects everything Mela stands for - it’s bold, joyful and ambitious, while staying true to the values that inspired us from the very beginning. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re also looking ahead with excitement to the next chapter, continuing to build connections, champion creativity and showcase Belfast as a confident, welcoming and internationally connected city.

“Whether you’ve been coming to Mela for 20 years or are joining us for the very first time, we can’t wait to welcome you to celebrate this landmark year with us.”

Twenty years on, Belfast Mela continues to fill the city with music, colour, food and creativity, while offering opportunities for people of all backgrounds to come together, discover something new and celebrate the diversity that makes Belfast what it is today.

Tickets for Mela Day are on sale now, priced at £12 General Admission, £9 Concession, and £24 Family (plus booking fee). Children aged four and under go free. Earth Child is free to attend, but advance booking is essential. Mela Carnival is free to attend.

For all tickets and the latest programme information, visit www.belfastmela.org.uk.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What's On newsletter.

Схожие новости

#Наименование новостиТональностьИнформативностьДата публикации
1More acts for Middlesbrough Mela announced ahead of huge summer weekend festival07.7419-07-2026
2Balmoral Show set to dazzle as Northern Ireland’s biggest agricultural event returns01013-05-2025
3Crowds enjoy Day 5 of the Fleadh Cheoil in Belfast - in pictures016.2806-08-2026
4В дни Игр стран СНГ в Казани пройдет Всероссийский фестиваль национальных видов спорта0021-01-2020
5Dîner en Blanc returns Aug. 20 with an America250 theme09.1802-06-2026
6Co Down singer Ryan McMullan can't wait for a 'night out in Belfast City' as he performs at Fleadh07.6106-08-2026
7Belfast City Council statement after concern over treatment of homeless during Fleadh​011.8206-08-2026
8Circus in the Park returning to Troy in August02.6930-07-2026
9Творческие многодетные семьи проводят лето фестивалем08.8606-08-2026
10北山友禅菊祭り開催0530-06-2026

Классификация: Культура. Схожих патентов: 0. Схожих новостей: 10. Тональность: 0. Информативность: 7.83. Источник: www.belfastlive.co.uk.