A stellar line-up has been confirmed for the 2016 Middlesbrough Mela – and organisers are hoping for a record turn-out.
The Mela takes place over the weekend of Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10, with a warm welcome and a feast of multi-cultural food and entertainment guaranteed.
Held every year since 1990, the 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.
Last year’s 25th anniversary event attracted a record attendance of around 50,000 over the free two-day festival – and this year looks set to beat that figure.
And one of the North East’s largest and longest established multi-cultural festivals this week unveils a line-up of top artists for Sunday, alongside the usual feast of food, fashion and family fun.
Sunday’s performers will take to the stage between noon and 7pm, with a star-studded bill featuring Shide Boss, Raxstar, Sahara, Roach Killa and headline act Lehmber Hussainpuri.
Saturday’s Health and Well Being Mela from noon to 6pm features a huge range of activities including wheelchair basketball, boxing, rock climbing and fencing performances from local community groups including Teesside School of Music, Rhythm Train and Bellamy School of Dance.
Mela chairman Satnam Singh said: “Mela is a fabulous mix of world class music, a wide range of entertainment, a family fairground and a popular bazaar and once again we’ve worked hard to ensure this year’s Mela is one to remember.
“We specifically want to give thanks to Middlesbrough College and the Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner who are this year’s key sponsors.” Councillor Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “Middlesbrough Mela is a fantastic celebration of multicultural music, food, fashion and art, and a powerful symbol off the community spirit that makes Middlesbrough such a fantastic place to live and visit.
“I have no doubt this year’s event will be the biggest and best yet.”
The Middlesbrough Mela is organised by Middlesbrough Council in conjunction with a local community steering group.
Middlesbrough Mela takes place in Centre Square between the Town Hall and mima from noon to 6pm on Saturday, July 9, and noon to 7pm finale on Sunday, July 10.
Visit www.boromela.co.uk for further details.