THOUSANDS of people are expected to flock to Hoglands Park for Southampton Mela this weekend.

The major festival celebrating South Asian culture is back after Covid cancellations in 2020 and 2021.Daily Echo:

The favourite summer highlight will feature performances by world-class musicians and dancers. 

Dahlia Jamil, chief executive at Art Asia, said: "We are delighted to make a return to Hoglands Park this summer with a packed programme of phenomenal live performance, workshops for all ages, a huge array of delicious cuisine from all over the world, and many new additions and surprises to the programme throughout the day. 

"The Mela truly is a celebration of togetherness; after the pandemic, we are certain this year's festival will be bigger and better than ever."Daily Echo:

The Southampton Mela Festival will take place on Saturday, July 16, and is organised by Art Asia. 

This year, the foundation is celebrating 40 years of promoting South Asian culture across the South. 

While the celebrations were held online for two years owing to the nationwide lockdown, organisers have said this year's event will be bigger and better.Daily Echo:

Festival-goers will get to see performances by renowned performers including Navin Kundra, Pandit Sanju Sahai, The Hussain Brothers, Vidya Thirunarayan, Pooja Angra, and Karan Rana along with many more. 

The event will run from 12am until 9pm and crowds can look forward to engaging sideshows including juggling, storytelling, kid-friendly craft projects, and even a flash mob performance.Daily Echo:

The free festival is sponsored by Solent University and Arts University Bournemouth. 

Vice-Chancellor of Solent University, Professor Karen Stanton, said: "Solent University is delighted to be supporting the Southampton Mela Festival.

"This annual celebration, which brings together the region’s diverse communities, helps build a culturally enriched and cohesive city." Daily Echo:

Meanwhile, textile students at Art's University Bournemouth have designed flags that will be displayed at the event's venue. 

Kevin Chambers, course leader of events management at Arts University Bournemouth, said: "We are tremendously excited to be working with Art Asia on Southampton Mela.

"Not only does this opportunities for artists and producers to work on a project of a significant scale early in their careers, but it also provides Arts University Bournemouth with an opportunity to support Mela, which has tremendous cultural significance not only in Southampton but across the region." Daily Echo:

It's hoped the festival's return will help independent businesses with a financial boost after they were badly affected by the pandemic. 

One of the most popular elements of the Mela is the food on offer. Visitors can once again sample a delicious range of food delights from all over the world.

For more information visit: artasia.org.uk

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News