A FEAST of multi-cultural food and entertainment is guaranteed with the 2016 return of one of the region’s most popular events.
The Middlesbrough Mela will take place over the weekend of Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10, with organisers hoping to beat last year’s 25th anniversary record crowds.
An exhibition celebrating 25 years of the Middlesbrough Mela has been hosted by the Cleveland Centre, showcasing a range of art works including a commemorative bowl created by ceramic artist Carol Newmarch.
Last year’s Mela attracted an audience of around 50,000 over the free two-day festival – the North-East’s largest and longest established event of its kind in the North East.
Now organisers are on the look-out for new sponsors to get in touch, while bookings have opened for stalls at this year’s event.
Mela promises a fabulous mix of world class music, a wide range of entertainment, a family fairground and a popular bazaar, packed full of stalls.
Held every year since 1990, the Middlesbrough College-sponsored Mela sees the town celebrate its culture and diversity through a wide range of music, entertainment, a funfair and a popular bazaar packed full of stalls.
Full details of acts taking part in this year’s Middlesbrough Mela will be announced in due course.
Mela chairman Satnam Singh said: “As ever the committee has worked hard to ensure the 2016 Mela is one to remember.
“With great support from Middlesbrough Council and our sponsors – especially Middlesbrough College – we’re once again looking forward to a fantastic celebration of multicultural music, food, fashion and art.”
Councillor Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “The crowds flock to the Middlesbrough Mela every year because they know they’re guaranteed one of the best celebrations of culture and diversity anywhere in the UK.
“It’s a true symbol of the community spirit that makes Middlesbrough such a fantastic place to live and visit, and I’d urge everyone to come along and enjoy the spectacle.”
The 2016 Mela will take place in the town’s Centre Square, between the Town Hall and mima from midday on both Saturday and Sunday.
The event is organised by Middlesbrough Council in conjunction with a local community steering group, with backing from a range of sponsors including Middlesbrough College, Unison, Arts Council England, Coast & Country Housing and the Cleveland Centre, with headline sponsor Middlesbrough College heading the list for a fifth successive year.
Middlesbrough Mela runs from noon to 8pm on Saturday, July 9, and noon to an 8.30pm finale on Sunday, July 10.
Visit www.boromela.co.uk for further details.