Sandwell & Birmingham Mela 2021

About

Sandwell & Birmingham Mela is one of UK’s first Mela event to confirm its 2021 festival is back on, after the 2020 event was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, and will be held on 28th – 30th August bank holiday weekend.

Now in its tenth year, the Mela is an established highlight in the UK’s cultural calendar, attracting thousands of audiences, an artistically led celebration of Asian culture and creativity, inspired by South Asia. It is one of the biggest Mela’s outside of India to champion new work, showcase international talent and provide a platform for emerging British artists as well as bringing visual art forms to a wider audience.

Being the UK’s biggest South Asian music festival, the Sandwell & Birmingham Mela showcases the best in pop, folk and classical music from across the globe, British Asian urban acts, dance, visual arts and arts and crafts activity, as well as exhibitions and shopping bazaar. And, with a nearly a quarter of the audience from non-Asian communities, it is a truly intercultural family event with something for every generation of every community.

Sandwell & Birmingham Mela which normally takes place in July over 2 days will now take place over 3 days between 28th – 30th August bank holiday weekend at Victoria Park, Smethwick across two stages, complemented by the mouth-watering Tastes of Asia Food Hall, funfair, shopping bazaar, arts village and bursting with heaps of exciting and colourful entertainment for the whole family.

Danny Singh, founder of Sandwell & Birmingham Mela, said: “It’s been a challenging and uncertain year for everyone, but the government’s recent roadmap for re-opening has given us all renewed hope as we head towards the summer. In light of this, we are confident that there will be a Mela this August. Everyone can be assured that we will continue to follow any updated guidance and advice in order to ensure the Mela is as safe as possible for everyone. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Victoria Park over the August bank holiday weekend and celebrate our 10th birthday in style. The West Midlands has a vibrant South Asian community with a rich history of Mela and this is the place to celebrate with the rest of the community.”

To help support businesses, traders and caterers in their recovery, stall pitch fees for trading and catering have been discounted with the extra event day being offered at no additional cost. Artists and performers will also be supported through additional support from the Mela and its network to support them through recovery.

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased from www.birminghammela.com starting from £2 per day and £5.50 for 3 days. Tickets can also be purchased from the gate on the day however  pre-booking is recommended to avoid queues.