What's On

Glasgow Sitare is a South Asian women's community singing group that fosters cultural expression and connection through collective voice. Blending Bollywood favourites and traditional melodies, the group provides a joyful, safe space for women to explore identity and build community through music.

Dance Ihayami brings a captivating presence to Glasgow Mela, celebrating Indian classical dance in a global context. Trained in Bharatanatyam under artistic director Priya Shrikumar, the ensemble is renowned for expressive storytelling, rhythmic precision, and striking energy.

Drawing inspiration from both Indian and Scottish roots, they present Alba Rasa—an enthralling performance bridging traditional and contemporary forms. Choreographed by Shrikumar to reflect her dual heritage, this vibrant piece weaves intricate classical footwork with the soulful melodies of bagpipes and lively traditional Scottish reels. Honoring tradition while embracing innovation, Dance Ihayami offers a powerful, universal celebration of movement and music.

Singer-songwriter performing soulful contemporary South Asian influenced music.

Talented 14 year old young singer Winona Shashidhara is taking the singing world by storm having already sung as a soloist with the RSNO in venues such as Dundee Concert Hall and Glasgow Cathedral. She is a member of the NYCOS National Girls Choir and RSNO Youth Chorus taking part in concerts across Scotland and recordings with the RSNO. Not only does she study classical singing, she is firmly rooted in Classical Indian repertoire as well as singing pop ballads.

Classically trained vocalist showcasing Indian musical traditions.

A collaboration between Roma and South Asian musicians, highlighting shared roots and musical connections between both cultures.

A new collaboration exploring Scottish Gaelic and South Asian identity. “Eadarinn” means “between us”, reflecting shared culture and belonging.This collaboration will also be performed during the Mod in Glasgow in October 2026.

As part of her Glasgow Mela set Radhika will be dipping into her Indian heritage and her love of modern alternative and electronic soundworlds playing music from her debut album Cine-Pop. Core members of her band include drummer Paul Thomson (Yummy Fur/Lungleg), Sushil K Dade (Future Pilot AKA) on bass/ electronic tamboura, Eric Macdonald on keys with Radhika on guitar and vocals.

Global sensations and family band MASTI are a multi-award-winning group blending youth and experience. The band is an evolution of the old-school Bhangra group "Nayi Roshni," now fronted by son Aamir.

MASTI has carved out a unique niche by transforming popular English songs into high-energy Bhangra and Bollywood anthems. The lineup features Aamir on English vocals and keyboards, his father Amjad on Hindi/Punjabi vocals, and Uncle Surinder on dhol and dholak. Performing live or to custom backing tracks, they deliver a dynamic fusion experience that appeals to diverse audiences worldwide.

GTown Desi is a Glasgow-based DJ and producer collective fusing Eastern and Western music with explosive energy. Known for their club sets and festival appearances, they blend Bhangra, hip-hop, and electronic music for a high-octane experience. 

Formed in Birmingham in 1983 by K. S. Bhamrah and Sardara Gill, Apna Sangeet is one of the most influential bands in UK Bhangra history. Dubbed "The People’s Band," they blended traditional Punjabi folk with contemporary sounds, producing ten studio albums between 1986 and 1996.

Their catalogue features legendary anthems like "Soho Road Ute" and "Apna Sangeet Sings Apna Sangeet"—voted the number one Bhangra song on BBC Asian Network. Touring globally, they evolved into Apna Group in 1996. Over 40 years later, their music remains a staple of worldwide Bhangra.

Backed by the Live Experience Band, Nachhatar Gill will headline the Navras stage at Mela 2026. Nachhatar is a Punjabi musician and singer-songwriter who has been entertaining audiences for 25 years. His most famous songs include Hasdi Ne Dil Mangia, Taareyan Di Loe & Gussa Na Karin among many others. He has also spent time recording popular religious albums and provided playback for Punjabi movies – giving him the title of ‘vocal powerhouse’.

Students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland performing Indian classical music on Western instruments.

A vibrant brass band blending Bollywood and street sounds, also roaming the park.

A local crossover band mixing Indian classical with contemporary styles.

WDF bridges British and Rajasthani folk traditions into a celebratory, upbeat performance, uniquely enhanced by slow, meditative Indian classical introductions and a Celtic twist.

The project features two highly experienced musicians: Vini Dewara, a singer, performer, and founder of the Krishna Music School based in Pushkar, Rajasthan, who brings over 30 years of expertise in Indian Classical, Rajasthani folk, and Sufi styles; and Ed White, a violinist and teacher with 25 years of experience, whose background spans European orchestral touring as a child to a passion for improvising jazz and Indian classical music.

Kirin is a visually impaired disability consultant, playwright, and founder of Visually Impaired Creators Scotland who creates access-centered art. A prominent cultural leader, she has written two successful Edinburgh Fringe shows and consults for major UK arts organizations.

Her performance offers a powerful window into her intersectional world as an Asian, visually impaired woman living in 21st-century Scotland. Through a blend of short poetry, a tender letter to her late mother, and a deeply personal talk, Kirin shares humorous insights and conviction, proving that what you see is not always what you get.

Classical Odissi dance with a contemporary twist.

An award-winning poet presenting spoken word.

A traditional South Indian performance art combining storytelling, rhythm, dance and theatre.

A contemporary South Asian artist connecting with younger audiences.

An internationally respected sarangi maestro presenting Indian classical music.

Pooja Angra and Karan Rana are highly accomplished Indian vocalists who combine classical training with popular appeal. Pooja holds a PhD in Indian Music, has performed on prestigious platforms like the BBC and All India Radio, and is an Arts Council England-supported educator. Karan, a prodigy since age five, is an award-winning artist recognized at the Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan and is currently based in Edinburgh.

Together, their performance delivers a vibrant musical journey blending classic and contemporary Bollywood hits with powerful, high-energy Sufi music, creating an engaging, nostalgic, and uplifting experience for diverse audiences.

Get ready for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games with Glasgow Museums.

Explore the Games of the World handling kit with the Open Museum. Skipping, aiming and puzzling games are played all over the world by young and old. Discover your competitive side with this fun kit containing everything from a Warri board to a 32-sided dice.

This box was developed to celebrate the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Take part in an all-ages craft activity to make Commonwealth Games inspired medals.

Join a discussion led by young South Asians from Our Shared Cultural Heritage and Glasgow Museums Intercultural Youth Group. They'll explore the intersections of their heritage, museums, colonialism and its legacies. In this conversation, through their reflections and experiences as members of youth groups based in Glasgow’s Museums, participants will share how their time has shaped their perception of their own identity, their relationship with their past, and the ways they see museums now.

Join Playlist for Life, a leading UK charity that uses personally meaningful music to support people affected by dementia, and TAWAS, a Glasgow charity using dance and wellbeing activities to support diverse communities, for a warm and engaging session of music, memory and movement. 

Come along to explore how nostalgic South Asian songs can spark connection, support wellbeing activities and open up joyful conversation. Supported by Dementia Heroes and Glasgow Life.

Book your place ahead of one of our sessions by messaging our social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram.

The session will run twice to the schedules below. Attendees are also welcome to drop in to one of the short 20 minute sessions if they are not able to stay for the full hour.

Session 1: 

15.00 - 15.20: Discover why nostalgic music matters for the brain and wellbeing for people living with dementia.

3.20 - 15.40: Enjoy a seated dance session with simple storytelling hand movements to Bollywood songs, guided by Sudakshina and team.

15.40 - 16.00: Stay for a drop-in conversation about resources, support and local meeting centres for South Asian communities affected by dementia in Glasgow.

Session 2: 

16.00 - 16.20: Discover why nostalgic music matters for the brain and wellbeing for people living with dementia.

16.20 - 16.40: Enjoy a seated dance session with simple storytelling hand movements to Bollywood songs, guided by Sudakshina and team.

16.40 - 17.00: Stay for a drop-in conversation about resources, support and local meeting centres for South Asian communities affected by dementia in Glasgow.

Glasgow Mela is collaborating with Creatives of Colour CIC and Scottish BPOC Writers Network to present this year's Mela artist in residence - a group of writers responding to the event. Visit them in the Writers in Residence tent, or you might bump into them in the park. 

Japanese Garden hosted by Braveheart

Tennis Court 1, 2 & 3 hosted by Glasgow Life Participation Team

13:00-15:00 / Bowling Green 1, hosted by Hillhead Hockey Club

15:00-17:00 / Bowling Green 1, hosted by Blue Sox Hockey Club

Bowling Green 2, hosted by Cricket Scotland.