The Newcastle Mela, the North East’s premier celebration of South Asian culture and diversity, returns this August Bank Holiday – Sunday 24th and Monday 25th August – to the vibrant setting of Exhibition Park, Newcastle.
Now in its 31st year, the free, family-friendly festival attracts up to 40,000 visitors from across the region and beyond. Organised by Newcastle Asian Art and Music, the Mela brings together the sights, sounds, and flavours of Pakistani, Bengali, Indian and other South Asian cultures, with a packed programme of live music, street food, dance, workshops, and family activities.
This year’s Mela is proudly presented with Newcastle Building Society as headline sponsor. Audiences can expect two days of unforgettable live performances from some of the biggest names in South Asian and UK music, including:
Abdullah Shahid & Hassan Javed – Classically trained rising stars of the Asian music scene, bringing energy and powerful vocals to every stage.
Nooran Lal – Punjabi and folk sensation, with major hits including Lookan do do yaar and collaborations with Arif Lohar.
Rafaqat Ali Khan – Internationally acclaimed singer with Bollywood credits alongside Hrithik Roshan and Amitabh Bachchan, and Coke Studio classic Tu Kuja Man Kuja (200m views).
Harbhajan Talwar (XLNC) – Dynamic frontman of bhangra pioneers XLNC, the first bhangra band to perform in Tokyo.
Hunterz – British urban music star behind Rehle Rehle and Streets of Bollywood, known for fusing Bollywood, bhangra, and Western beats.
IFFI K – UK-based Pakistani singer with over 20 years in the industry, famous for his Potwari hit Sutta.
Sona Walia – Europe’s leading Punjabi female performer, captivating audiences across the world.
Sliime – Bengali music star whose viral hit Lehenga has millions of views, with regular BBC playlisting and festival appearances.
Juggy D – Legendary Punjabi artist with three decades of hits and global collaborations.
Lehmber Hussainpuri – Icon of Punjabi music, celebrated for his powerful vocals and bhangra anthems.
The Mela experience goes far beyond music. Visitors can enjoy mouth-watering South Asian street food, explore stalls offering henna, jewellery and traditional clothing, and soak up the lively atmosphere of the funfair. Community groups and cultural displays add to the festival spirit, while workshops and free activities ensure there is something for all ages to enjoy.
Andrew Haigh, Chief Executive at Newcastle Building Society, said:
“Mela is one of the highlights of the Newcastle summer, bringing together people from across our communities and celebrating the best of our city. We’re delighted to be supporting Mela again as headline sponsor and we’re looking forward to a fun, vibrant weekend of events.”
Taj Mohammed, Chairperson of Newcastle Asian Art and Music, added:
“I’ve been involved with the Mela for more than 30 years, and it’s amazing to see how it continues to grow. It’s all about community – and everyone is welcome. From delicious food stalls to music, dance and family fun, there really is something for everyone.”
As a vibrant preview, Mela in the City will bring free live performances and cultural activities to Grey’s Monument on Saturday 23rd August (11am – 4pm), delivered in partnership with NE1.
Alongside Newcastle Building Society, the Mela is also supported by Newcastle City Council, Unison Northern, Arts Council England, Sir James Knott Trust, The Army, and the Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne.