Month: August 2025

The 19th annual Belfast Mela Festival — the largest celebration of cultural diversity across the island of Ireland — as officially launched today by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly and the Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, MLA.

Guests were treated to vibrant live performances by Kenyan-born musician Njambi as well as an exclusive preview of a special cross-cultural collaboration between the South Asian Dance Academy (SADA) and Irish Entertainment Group, during a colourful launch event at Tetto Belfast, attended by more than 100 supporters and friends of the festival.

Following a record-breaking year in 2024 that welcomed nearly 60,000 visitors, this year’s nine-day cultural spectacular returns with an even more exciting line-up of global music, dance, theatre, wellbeing, food, art, and immersive experiences.

The festival kicks off on Saturday 16 August at 12.30pm as the much-loved Mela Carnival lights up the streets of Belfast for its fourth consecutive year. Expect an explosion of colour, rhythm and joy as hundreds of artists and community participants in traditional dress parade from Writer’s Square to City Hall, accompanied by world beats, dazzling floats and infectious energy.

Once the carnival reaches City Hall, the celebration continues with a free Mini Mela from 1pm to 4pm, hosted by U105’s Carolyn Stewart and UTV’s Paul Reilly, featuring live performances, workshops, and family-friendly fun.

A centrepiece of the Mela Carnival is ‘When Worlds Collide’, a moving outdoor theatre production taking place at 2pm and 3pm on the City Hall lawns . This poignant tale follows two young girls – one from the mangroves of the Sundarbans, the other from Belfast’s rivers – who unite through themes of climate crisis, ancestral heritage and digital activism. It blends storytelling, original music and dance into a stirring call for environmental action created and performed by young people from across the city and beyond.

And for the first time, organisers are bringing the magic of Mela to the Cathedral Quarter, supported by CQ BID as St Anne’s Square, Commercial Court (Hill Street), and Cotton Court come alive with high-octane performances from Dhol drummers, Chinese Lion and Dragon dancers, Bollywood and Mexican dancers and the electrifying SPARK drummers from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

On Wednesday 20 August at 7pm, firm festival favourite, the Silk Road Supper Club will make a return to Holohan’s Pantry for a journey to Tunisia. Led by Carthago Head Chef Sabeh Cyndi, this five course feast invites guests to gather around the table for a rich and soulful dining experience inspired by Tunisia’s diverse culinary landscape.

A further exciting addition to this year’s programme is the Mela International Residency Programme with an exchange between renowned artists from India and Northern Ireland supported by the Arts Council of NI and the Prabha Khaitan Foundation in Calcutta. The Lyric Theatre will host, Tāla, a dynamic performance on Friday 22 August at 7pm featuring acclaimed Kathak dancer Shinjini Kumar alongside percussionist Rishiraj Kulkarni. Supported by residency and masterclasses, this work merges classical South Asian dance with local artistry under the vision of choreographers Lauren Martin from SADA and Ciaran Connolly from Irish Entertainment Group, offering an exchange of movement, rhythm and cultural insight.

The Ulster Museum will host, Shared Words, Shared Worlds, a collaborative storytelling experience on Friday 22 August at 2pm bringing together writers from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, including award winning Indian poet Dr. Sanjukta Das Gupta and local writer Alicia McCauley. Through shared narratives, participants explore identity, community and the many worlds within our words—revealing the transformative power of language and connection.

And of course, the festival’s grand finale, Mela Day, returns to Botanic Gardens on Sunday 24 August from 12 noon to 6pm—an unforgettable party in the park where tens of thousands will flock to enjoy the global sights, sounds, tastes and traditions that truly capture the spirit of Belfast’s vibrant multicultural community.

Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Tracy Kelly said: “I can’t wait to see our city filled with the wonderfully

vibrant colours, sights, sounds and tastes of Belfast Mela again this year. Belfast City Council is proud to support this beautiful festival programme. It’s set to bring a whole lot of magic and fun to the city for nine days – not least as the Mela Carnival winds its way through the city centre and Mela Day transforms Botanic Gardens. I’d like to thank Nisha Tandon, ArtsEkta, and all the team who curate and make Mela possible – reminding us how exploring and celebrating diverse cultural traditions can add greater interest, meaning and joy to our everyday lives.”

 

Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, MLA said: “The Belfast Mela is a powerful example of the importance of investing in cultural tourism.  Mela showcases and celebrates our diversity to our community and to our visitors, while also driving economic benefit, supporting local businesses, and the north’s reputation as a vibrant, inclusive place to live, work, study and visit.  Supported by Tourism NI, and expected to welcome 60,000 people, Belfast Mela has firmly established itself as an exciting, cultural and creative celebration for all to enjoy.”

Nisha Tandon, OBE, Founder of Belfast Mela and Director of ArtsEkta said: “As we approach the 19th Belfast Mela, we’re proud to unveil our most ambitious programme yet—a vibrant celebration of the many cultures that now call Belfast home. Mela continues to flourish as a shared space of creativity, connection and belonging. This year, we look forward to welcoming even more visitors from across the island of Ireland and beyond to experience the magic of Mela—a powerful showcase of diversity, unity, and the transformative power of the arts.”

Liam Hannaway, Chair, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is proud to support ArtsEkta and the Belfast Mela Festival, thanks to funding raised for good causes by National Lottery players.  This year, we are particularly pleased to join with the Prabha Khaitan Foundation and ArtsEkta to announce a new element of programming to the festival, of music, literature and dance, through the Mela Residency Programme. With something to suit all tastes and ages, I would encourage everyone to go along and enjoy this spectacular and vibrant festival this August.”

 

Allstate NI once again sponsors Mela’s Wellbeing events, with activities to suit all ages including a tranquil retreat with soothing sounds at the Tropical Ravine, Qi-Gong sessions, yoga, meditation, massages and much more.

Kokila Nagaraj, Chair, Ethnicity Employee Support Group ‘Unity’, Allstate NI said: “Belfast Mela is more than a festival, it’s a living celebration of unity, belonging and the beautiful richness of our shared cultures. Allstate is proud to support Mela’s Wellbeing Programme, which nurtures both mind and body through the powerful intersection of heritage, healing and community. As we come together to celebrate what makes each of us unique, Mela reminds us that the sense of belonging we share is something we build together.”

Tzvetelina Bogoina, Chairperson of Cathedral Quarter BID said: “Bringing the Mini Mela to Cathedral Quarter is a fantastic way to showcase the energy and vibrancy that makes this area so special. It supports our key goals of creating a cleaner, greener, and safer environment, while driving footfall and supporting the incredible range of businesses based here. Events like this breathe life into our streets and squares, bringing culture, colour, and community together, and helping us promote Cathedral Quarter as Belfast’s most dynamic destination for culture, hospitality, and business.”

Mela Carnival is free with no tickets required. Mela Day tickets cost £12 adults, £9 concession (children aged between 5 – 15 and over 60s) £24 family (2 adults and 2 children under 16) Children under 5 go free. Tickets for Mela Day must be booked in advance. Booking and tickets for other events vary. Full information on all events and booking information is available online at www.belfastmela.org.uk

The Belfast Mela is principally funded by Belfast City Council, The Executive Office, The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Tourism NI, Community Relations Council and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

Mela’s Wellbeing sponsor is Allstate NI, media partners are UTV and U105 and this year’s Cathedral Quarter Mini Mela is supported by CQ Bid.

Friends of Belfast Mela include Advice NI; Aflac; A&L Goodbody; Allstate NI; BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Embrace; Belfast Harbour; Belfast Vaults; Citi; CO3; Co-Ownership; CQ Bid; Danske Bank; Department of Finance & NICS; Equality Commission for Northern Ireland; EventSec; FinTrU; Grant Thornton; Hastings Hotels; Liberty IT; Phoenix Energy; Northern Ireland Housing Executive; Pinsent Masons; PSNI; PwC; Tony Clarke & Co; Translink and  Ulster University.

Follow ArtsEkta’s social media for updates on this year’s Belfast Mela Festival: www.facebook.com/artsekta1 and Instagram and Twitter @ArtsEkta using #BelfastMela

750 miles, 32 counties, 12 cyclists and 6 days to raise thousands for charity

Earlier this year, the close-knit community of Poyntzpass lost one of its most beloved members. Brian Magennis – devoted husband, loving father, cherished son and brother, loyal friend, and respected businessman – passed away on January 16th after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Diagnosed in 2020, Brian faced his illness with the strength, grace, and grit that defined every part of his life. He initially overcame the disease, but when it returned, he met it once more with quiet determination. In his final weeks, he was cared for by Evora Hospice (formerly known as the Southern Area Hospice), whose compassion brought comfort not only to Brian, but to everyone who loved him.

Now, his family and friends are preparing to honour his memory in a way that is as bold and heartfelt as the man himself.

“Dad was the definition of a fighter,” said Daniel Magennis (20), who will be among the 12 cyclists taking part. “He faced everything with bravery and dignity. When the illness came back, he fought to stay with us for as long as he could. When he passed, we knew we wanted to do something in his name – something that would carry his spirit forward.”

In tribute to Brian, Daniel, his uncle’s Ciaran and Marty, and a close group of family members and friends will embark on the Bike for Brian challenge: a 750-mile journey through all 32 counties of Ireland, completed in just 6 days, starting August 17th. Over the course of the ride, the team will climb a combined elevation of more than 30,000 feet – higher than Mount Everest – making the challenge not just a test of endurance, but a true tribute to Brian’s strength and spirit.

While Daniel takes to the road, his younger brother Ben (18) is playing a crucial role behind the scenes, travelling in the logistics van and supporting the team every step of the way. Alongside his cousin Isabel, Ben is also leading the fundraiser’s social media efforts, keeping supporters updated and engaged.

“We miss him every day,” Ben said. “But we carry him with us. This is our way of saying thank you – to the hospice that looked after him with such care, and to Dad, for the life and love he gave us.”

Brian’s family were by his side when he passed, just weeks after sharing one final Christmas and New Year together.

“We all held his hand that morning,” Ben recalls. “It was one of the hardest moments of our lives – but also a privilege. He gave us everything. The least we can do now is give something back in his name.”

Daniel added: “I still expect to see him sometimes – his head just visible through the window from his favourite chair as I drive up to the house. The loss is deep. But through this challenge, we are channelling our grief into something positive. We hope to raise vital funds for the hospice and honour one of the best men we’ve ever known.”

Brian’s wife, Margaret, will be there every step of the way, cheering on her family throughout their journey across the country in Brian’s memory.

“Brian was more than a brother-in-law – he was a great friend,” said Marty Johnston, one of the main organisers of Bike for Brian. “He had a quiet wisdom and a great sense of humour that we all leaned on. This cycle isn’t just about covering miles – it’s about honouring a man who meant the world to us and giving something back to the hospice that gave us so much when we needed it most.”

You can support their journey and help raise funds for Evora Hospice by donating here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/bikeforbrian.