This year’s event – on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 – takes place in Centre Square with backing from lead sponsor Middlesbrough College.
And to make this year’s 25th anniversary edition extra special, organisers are looking for 12 daring recruits to help form the Iron Giants stilt walking street theatre company.
The fledgling stilt walkers will be put through their paces with expert training before taking part in a colourful street carnival.
The company will be the first of its kind in the town and will see performers take to the stage as well as joining the Mela’s ever popular parade.
But would-be walkers need to be quick – the induction session takes place at Middlesbrough Town Hall this Saturday (April 18).
Key dates:
- Saturday April 18, 5pm – 6.30pm
Induction, Middlesbrough Town Hall
- Saturdays May 2 & 9, 10.30am – 4.30pm
Workshop training days, Middlesbrough Town Hall
- Sundays May 17 & 31, 11am – 6pm
Workshop training days, Newcastle (transport from Middlesbrough provided)
Middlesbrough Council Arts, Events & Festivals Development Officer Phil Douglas said: “We’ve all marvelled at brightly dressed stilt walkers in carnivals and parades, and now a few lucky people have a chance to get in on the act.
“Almost anyone can have a go – full training is provided, and they’re guaranteed an experience they’ll never forget, right at the heart of one the region’s best loved community events.”
This year’s Mela – in association with Middlesbrough College and supported by the Cleveland Centre, Teesside University and Arts Council England – will see up to 50,000 people converge on the town’s Centre Square for a two-day celebration of culture and diversity.
The Mela is the North East’s largest multicultural event, featuring a diverse mix of entertainment including live music, a parade, foods from around the world, ceramics workshops, great family shows and a participatory dance project.
- Budding stilt walkers must be over 16, reasonably fit and with no previous knee injuries and be able to commit to training and performance dates.
For more information or to register, email events@middlesbrough.gov.uk or call 01642 729135.