Event Guide & Map
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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
Creative Engagement Manager
Admin & Operations Officer
Project Assistant
Design & Marketing Assistant
Production Manager
Press & Communications
Motion Design
Photography
Videography
Illustration
Krishan Tandon
Amy McFarlane
Nabeela Yasin-Iannelli
Tara Salinsoy
Sonia McCourt
Becky Turnock
Orla McKibbin
Laura Coulter
Carrie Davenport
Redcap Productions
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
25 AUGUST 2025 BOTANIC GARDENS
WELCOME BACK TO MELA!
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
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.
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.
A Message from Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly
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.
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
Kick off the Mela with a vibrant parade through the park, featuring booming drums, global dance, and eye-popping carnival creations.
1.00pm CULTURE LAND
Bring the wee ones to explore our global villages filled with crafts, sounds, dance, stories, and art from around the world.
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
Experience the energy of traditional folk dance from the Lebanese, Jordanian, Palestinian, and Syrian communities.
3.00pm SLI NA SÍ TRAIL
Meet Irish mythical legends — the Morrígan, Lugh Lámhfhada, and Manannán Mac Lir — on this magical folklore trail.
3.15pm DISCOVER THE FAR EAST
Delve into Far Eastern culture with traditional crafts, street theatre, vibrant costumes, and dynamic sports.
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
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
12.05pm Grupa Beag
12.30pm Procession
12.45pm Lord Mayor’s Address
12.55pm Chinese Dance NI
1.20pm Clada
2.00pm Belfast Dabke
2.15pm South Asian Dance Academy
2.30pm Mexican Dance NI
2.55pm Winnie Ama
3.35pm Dance United
3.50pm South Asian Dance Academy
4.20pm Bhangra Smash Up
5.15pm Jiggy
Showcase Stage
1.00pm Bright Lights
1.20pm Estonian Dance
1.35pm Indian Dance - Ojasvi Shishodia
2.00pm Njambi Njoroge
2.40pm Bhangra Blasters
2.55pm Tarangini Belfast Dance Group
3.10pm Kalikeli Drummers
3.30pm Dhol Belfast
4.00pm Magwere
4.55pm 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!
A Journey Around the World CULTURE LAND
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 Tarangini Belfast Dance Group
1.30pm Amber Lithuanian Group
2.00pm Afrikan Warriors
2.40pm Indian Dance - Ojasvi Shishodia
3.10pm Slovak Dance NI
3.25pm Chinese Dragon
3.40pm Bhangra Blasters
3.55pm Kalikeli Drummers
4.30pm 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 Low stimulation zone
All day Sound Escape
All day Wellbeing marketplace
2.00pm Qi-Gong
2.30pm Magical Sounds
3.00pm 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 Sam Porceillio (Northern Ireland) 1.45pm Sanjukta Dasgupta (India)
2.30pm Nandi Jola (South Africa)
3.15pm Masako Carey (Japan)
4.00pm 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 soundtrackguaranteed to get little feet moving and tiny hands twirling in their babygros.
Drop in from 12.30pm - 5pm
Location: Bandstand
Little Asia
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.
• 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
MELA BAZAAR
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
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!
1.30pm Flavours of Mexico with La Taqueria
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
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
2.30pm A Mediterranean Feast with Dar Misk Grill
3.30pm From Shore to Plate with Mourne Seafood
5.30pm 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.
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
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.
www.artskekta.org.uk
ArtsEkta are proud organisers of Belfast Mela 2025
Please note: All programme timings and festival map are subject to change. By paying admission you agree to the festival terms and conditions.