The Mela, organised by Bradford Council, is a free event and one of the largest in Europe with visitors wanting to experience the sights, sounds and flavours of the world. The Mela is a family friendly event with something to entertain everyone with music, dance and theatre, craft stalls and a variety of delicious smells coming from the number of food stalls.
The first Bradford Mela was held in September 1988 on playing fields near the University and attracted 10,000 visitors. After this event the Mela was moved to different locations to accommodate the large audience numbers which have grown to more than 100,000 and boosts the local economy by nearly £3 million.
Peel Park is the venue on Saturday 13 June and Sunday 14 June for performers from across the country and world to put a range of acts along with a number of new venues hosting small performances and shows and arts performances and workshops.
Details of this year's Mela are a closely guarded secret but it promises to be a celebration of Bradford at its best and one that local people can be proud of. More details on this year's event will appear on this website.
The Bradford Mela has been used as a model for other Melas with teams from Edinburgh, Manchester and London visiting to take ideas and develop their own Mela events. Representatives from Bradford Mela have been instrumental in setting up an organisation of other Mela organisers called the European Mela Network which gives guidance and advice on shaping Melas across the continent.
Coun Anne Hawkesworth, Bradford Council's Executive Member for Environment and Culture, said: ""The Bradford Mela has always been a great event with a fantastic reputation for its high quality programme of artists and presenting emerging local, national and international talent. Each year the event has got better and better with a great family atmosphere and something for everyone to enjoy."
Ben Pugh, Bradford Mela Producer, said: "The 21st anniversary year is really something to celebrate and we are determined to make it extra special. Look out for a range of activities throughout the year exploring the history of the Mela and looking to the future, building new partnerships and engaging more people in creating celebrations of dance, music and Bradford's amazing mix of cultures, across the district."
