Southampton came alive this past July as the city’s biggest multicultural festival filled Hoglands Park with music, dance, art and flavour. For the first time ever, the Southampton Mela Festival ran across two days, giving even more people the chance to enjoy everything the free event had to offer.
Over the weekend, the park welcomed more than 40,000 visitors. Crowds travelled not only from the South but also from across the UK, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, to be part of the celebrations.
This year’s programme featured an exciting mix of international talent and homegrown performers. In total, 370 artists performed across two main stages, delivering a programme that spanned 24 different genres of music and dance. The entertainment was not limited to the stages either, as two street performance spaces brought vibrant, live art directly into the city centre. The weekend also saw the premiere of a brand-new performance, created especially for the Mela.
Something for Everyone
Hoglands Park was alive with activity in every corner. Families browsed colourful stalls, sampled street food from around the world and joined in workshops that encouraged creativity and participation. More than 1,520 people took part in hands-on activities, from dance and drumming to crafts and cultural demonstrations. Children enjoyed interactive sessions and sporting challenges set up by Southern Brave and Saints Foundation, while parents soaked in the atmosphere and live performances.
The Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor James Baillie, officially opened the event, welcoming thousands of attendees and praising the Mela as a space where people from all backgrounds can come together in celebration.
Looking Forward
Southampton Mela Festival 2025 was made possible thanks to the generous support of Arts Council England and Southampton City Council, alongside sponsors Go! Southampton, Southern Brave and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary. Their commitment helps ensure the Mela continues to remain a free event for everyone to enjoy.
As the weekend came to a close, the feeling was one of joy and anticipation. The date for Southampton Mela Festival 2026 will be announced soon and promises another vibrant celebration of community, creativity and culture at the heart of the city.
Watch the Mela Movie