Glasgow Mela festival to return - here is what we need to know

The huge city festival attracts thousands of people to see acts that are local, national or even from overseas.

Glasgow Life, the charity that delivers culture and sport in Glasgow, has also confirmed the free event will take place at the end of the month on Sunday, June 25 from 12pm to 8pm.

Translating from Sanskrit to English, the Mela means “gathering” and it is used to promote Glasgow’s diverse communities which aim to promote local artists and their rich cultural heritage.

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

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life and Convenor for Culture, Sport and International Relations for Glasgow City Council, 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.

“Such lively and entertaining sets, performed in the stunning setting of Kelvingrove Park, have made the Mela a summer highlight and core part of Glasgow’s cultural calendar.”

Thousands of people will gather to watch the event in Kelvingrove Park (Image: Supplied)

Popular 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.

First held in 1990, when the city was named European City of Culture, the event was initially an indoor celebration at the then newly opened Tramway.

But it has since become a massive outdoor event, attracting tens of thousands of keen visitors and hundreds of artists and performers from around the world.

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Something that the Scottish-Asian Creative Artists Network, which manages the Glasgow Mela programme are pleased to promote.

They said: “The Mela provides a platform to showcase various art forms while addressing issues within the diaspora.

“The festival's art-focused approach uses the power of creative expression to comment on social challenges and inspire positive change.

“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.”

To stay up-to-date with the latest information, visit the Glasgow Mela on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.