Mela Day 2025 Event Guide

Event Guide & Map

Share your festival experience using #belfastmela

ArtsEkta would like to thank all funders and sponsors for supporting Belfast Mela 2025.

Principal Funders

Wellbeing Sponsor

Friends of Mela

Media Partners

Our Team Mela is brought alive by over 400 artists, performers, choreographers, producers, creative geniuses and event professionals. A massive thank you to each and every one for being the heartbeat of the festival.

Festival Team CEO Dr. Nisha Tandon OBE Creative Producer

Krishan Tandon Creative Engagement Manager Amy McFarlane Admin & Operations Officer Nabeela Yasin-Iannelli Project Assistant Tara Salinsoy Design & Marketing Assistant Sonia McCourt Production Manager Becky Turnock Press & Communications Orla McKibbin Motion Design Laura Coulter Photography Carrie Davenport Videography Redcap Productions Illustration Kerrie Hanna

Board of Directors Pamela Ballantine (Chair) Lynee Stevenson (Vice Chair) Janice Smith (Treasurer) Dr. M Satish Kumar Ed Canning Mukesh Sharma MBE DL Nikita Ferguson Stephen McGarry

WELCOME BACK TO MELA!

25 AUGUST 2025 BOTANIC GARDENS

A heartfelt welcome to the 19th annual Belfast Mela — a dazzling celebration of food, music, dance, carnival, circus, visual arts, fashion, and family fun, showcasing the rich cultures of over thirty nations from around the world. Join tens of thousands of others for an unforgettable day of global culture, creativity, and togetherness for the whole family.

A Message from CEO of ArtsEkta, Dr. Nisha Tandon OBE

A Message from Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly

As we arrive at the final and most spectacular day of this year’s Belfast Mela, we’re delighted to welcome you to Botanic Gardens for a joyful celebration of culture, creativity, and community.

What a joy it is to see our city once again brought to life with the vibrant colours, sights, sounds, and flavours of Belfast Mela.

Mela Day is the beating heart of our festival — a vibrant showcase of global music, dance, food, and art, brought to life by artists, performers, and communities from near and far.

Today, we invite you to explore every corner of the park — taste the flavours of the world, dance to rhythms that span continents, discover new cultures, and take part in something truly special.

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Let’s end the week with joy, colour, and connection — together at Mela.

Belfast City Council is proud to support this incredible festival, and it’s been wonderful to witness the energy and excitement it’s brought across the past nine days. From the spectacular Mela Carnival weaving through the city centre to today’s transformation of Botanic Gardens into a global village of culture and creativity, Mela has truly filled Belfast with magic and celebration.

Thank you to the entire team behind Mela for their inspiring work. You continue to remind us how embracing and celebrating diverse cultural traditions brings richness, connection, and joy to our everyday lives.

Green Mela aims to reduce the negative impact the festival has on the environment. We are committed to reducing pointless plastic, encourage recycling and contribute to regeneration of the city.

Handpicked Highlights for Mela

With six hours of non-stop music, dance, food, and art, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite can’t-miss moments from this year’s Mela.

Get ready for one incredible cultural celebration unfolding across Botanic Gardens!

12.30pm OPENING PROCESSION

3.00pm SLI NA SÍ TRAIL

Kick off the Mela with a vibrant parade through the park, featuring booming drums, global dance, and eye-popping carnival creations.

Meet Irish mythical legends — the Morrígan, Lugh Lámhfhada, and Manannán Mac Lir — on this magical folklore trail.

1.00pm CULTURE LAND

3.15pm DISCOVER THE FAR EAST

Bring the wee ones to explore our global villages filled with crafts, sounds, dance, stories, and art from around the world.

Delve into Far Eastern culture with traditional crafts, street theatre, vibrant costumes, and dynamic sports.

1.30pm SOUND ESCAPE Unwind in a calming sanctuary where gentle melodies and immersive sounds carry you into deep relaxation.

1.45pm OH, FREEDOM Stop by the Palm House, to hear stories from Indian artist-in-residence Sanjukta Dasgupta.

2.00pm DANCE TO THE BEAT OF DABKE

3.30pm LITTLE BOLLYWOOD Step into the colourful world of Little Bollywood and enjoy a magical sensory experience with your little ones.

4.20pm BHANGRA BEATS Head to the Main Stage for an electric mix of Bhangra and Bollywood music and dance — bring your best moves!

4.30pm CHILLI EATING COMPETITION

Experience the energy of traditional folk dance from the Lebanese, Jordanian, Palestinian, and Syrian communities.

Think you can take the heat? Don’t miss the fiery thrills of the Mela’s legendary chilli eating showdown at the Feast of Fire.

2.30pm A TASTE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

5.45pm JIGGY

Join Dar Misk Grill at the Taste the World tent for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired cooking demo.

Be wowed by our spectacular finale featuring Jiggy — a bold mix of Irish traditional music, world rhythms, and high-energy dance.

Line Up

From soulful sounds to high-energy performances, this stage brings together artists from across the globe and right here in Northern Ireland. Discover traditional roots, modern beats, and unforgettable performances that reflect the rich tapestry of our diverse communities.

World Stage

Showcase Stage

12.05pm 12.30pm 12.45pm 12.55pm 1.20pm 2.00pm 2.15pm 2.30pm 2.55pm 3.35pm 3.50pm 4.20pm 5.15pm

1.00pm 1.20pm 1.35pm 2.00pm 2.40pm 2.55pm 3.10pm 3.30pm 4.00pm 4.55pm

Grupa Beag Procession Lord Mayor’s Address Chinese Dance NI Clada Belfast Dabke South Asian Dance Academy Mexican Dance NI Winnie Ama Dance United South Asian Dance Academy Bhangra Smash Up Jiggy

Bright Lights Estonian Dance Indian Dance - Ojasvi Shishodia Njambi Njoroge Bhangra Blasters Tarangini Belfast Dance Group Kalikeli Drummers Dhol Belfast Magwere Utropiks

Family Fun

A trip to the Mela isn’t complete without diving into our exciting family attractions. From vibrant global arts and crafts and lively dance workshops to enchanting street theatre and captivating storytelling, there’s something magical for every member of the family!

CAUJouLrTneUy ARrouEndLthAeNWorDld Experience a line up of crafts, sounds, dance, stories and art, giving your young ones a true cultural experience they will never forget.

1.10pm 1.30pm 2.00pm 2.40pm 3.10pm 3.25pm 3.40pm 3.55pm 4.30pm

Tarangini Belfast Dance Group Amber Lithuanian Group Afrikan Warriors Indian Dance - Ojasvi Shishodia Slovak Dance NI Chinese Dragon Bhangra Blasters Kalikeli Drummers Afrikan Warriors

Location: Ulster Museum Lawns

Embrace this year’s wellbeing theme, Go Slow and Free Flow — an invitation to slow down, honour your natural rhythm, and reconnect with what truly nourishes you.

Grounded in sensory awareness, inclusivity, and care, this is a gentle space to move with intention, listen with presence, and simply be — whether you’re engaging in an activity or finding rest within it.

All day All day All day 2.00pm 2.30pm 3.00pm

Low stimulation zone Sound Escape Wellbeing marketplace Qi-Gong Magical Sounds Mindful Hooping

Location: Rose Gardens

World of Words

Step into the enchanting surroundings of The Palm House and immerse yourself in a world of storytelling. Relax beneath the canopy of exotic plants and listen as tales from the four corners of the world unfold around you.

Location: Palm House

1.00pm 1.45pm 2.30pm 3.15pm 4.00pm

Sam Porceillio (Northern Ireland) Sanjukta Dasgupta (India) Nandi Jola (South Africa) Masako Carey (Japan) Alicia McAuley (Northern Ireland)

Family Fun

Led by Indian dancers and early years facilitators, immerse yourself in the vibrant sights and sounds of Bollywood inside a beautifully decorated marquee. With colourful fabrics, sparkling lights, and infectious rhythms, both adults and children can enjoy dancing to a joyful Bollywood soundtrack guaranteed to get little feet moving and tiny hands twirling in their babygros.

Drop in from 12.30pm - 5pm Location: Bandstand

a i s A e l tt Li

Immerse yourself in the rich beauty of Far Eastern culture at Mela’s vibrant Little Asia, set against the stunning backdrop of the park’s Rose Garden.

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Calligraphy Workshop Chinese Lion & Dance Dragon Kendo martial arts workshop Ikebana flower arranging workshop Yukata Kimono dress up Bon odori dance workshop Yo-yo festival games Bonsai display

Drop in from 12pm - 5pm Location: Rose Garden

Family Fun

Sli na Si – Fairy Trail Step into the otherworld – the world of the fairies or ‘na daoine maithe’ on this magical fairy trail experience where you will meet the Tuatha Dé Danann; the magical and mythical fairy people of Ireland.

Show times are 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm.

Location: The Rockery

MELA BAZAAR Discover a vibrant world of sights, scents, and sounds as a diverse range of exhibitors transform the park into a spellbinding global marketplace. From tantalising food stalls and artisan treasures to handcrafted goods and wellbeing experiences, Mela offers a shopper’s paradise right in the heart of the city. Be sure to stop by our Henna marquee for a beautiful Mela-inspired tattoo to mark the occasion.

Drop in from 12pm - 6pm Location: Across the Park

Food

With over 30 local food producers, get ready to treat your taste buds to a world of flavour — where global cuisine meets the finest Northern Irish ingredients. Explore our World Food Village, roll up your sleeves at live cookery demos, and turn up the heat with the fiery return of the Mela Chilli Eating Competition!

Visit our cookery theatre where local chefs and producers come together to share recipes while describing their local food inspirations and influences in developing world inspired menus.

FOOD COURTYARD

1.30pm 2.30pm 3.30pm 5.30pm

Flavours of Mexico with La Taqueria A Mediterranean Feast with Dar Misk Grill From Shore to Plate with Mourne Seafood Feast of Fire: Chilli Eating Challenge

Location: Bandstand

ARISTAN MARKET Discover the best of Northern Ireland’s food scene in this vibrant new space celebrating local flavour and heritage.

From homegrown produce and artisan creations to inventive street food, everything here is brewed, baked, cooked, or crafted with heart — fresh, local, and full of soul.

Take a break in our Food Courtyard, nestled within the World Food Village — the perfect spot to relax and savour a bite with family and friends. Soak up the atmosphere with live traditional music sessions, curated by renowned local musician Gráinne Holland in our dedicated music marquee.

Location: East Walkway

Location: Bandstand

SAVE THE DATE Mela will return in 2026 between the 15th – 23th August for our special 20th anniversary year! Keep up the latest festival news at www.belfastmela.org.uk

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We would love to see your photos and videos from Mela Day! If you are posting online don’t forget to tag our social media accounts.

Use #BelfastMela to help us create memories for the Belfast Mela 2025.

Want to attend future events?

We run events throughout the year, many of which are free to attend and take part in. Sign up to our mailing list at www.artsekta.org.uk to keep updated with our latest news and events.

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Access points

Breast Feeding / Baby Changing

Public Toilets

First Aid

Food Area

ArtsEkta are proud organisers of Belfast Mela 2025 www.artskekta.org.uk Please note: All programme timings and festival map are subject to change. By paying admission you agree to the festival terms and conditions.

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