Glasgow Mela attracts bumper crowd

Glasgow Mela attracts bumper crowd

The 2023 Glasgow Mela drew in a bumper crowd as 20,000 festivalgoers enjoyed an action-packed day of free music and arts in Kelvingrove Park.

Among the line-up at the Mela – the city’s multicultural festival of music, dance and arts – were headliner and Punjabi singer-songwriter Angrez Ali, Scottish DJs Gtown Desi and Scottish-Indian crossover band Unison who were cheered on throughout a day of rain showers and sunshine.

Emerging talents like Supermann on the Beat, Lavannya Manohar and Mishra also took to the stage as local, national and international acts put on a series of captivating performances.

On top of the unforgettable entertainment, festivalgoers sampled delicacies from around the world at a range of food stalls and got involved in writing workshops and come-and-try sport sessions.

Delivered by Glasgow Life, the charity delivering culture and sport in Glasgow, the Mela is the largest of its kind in Scotland.

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life and Convenor for Culture, Sport and International Relations for Glasgow City Council, said:

“It was fantastic to see so many people enjoying themselves at this year’s Mela. The event showed in spectacular style the cultural diversity and musical and artistic talent that Glasgow is known for. This year’s Mela proves the event is a highlight of our city’s cultural calendar, offering high-quality performances, food and fun activities for all ages and interests.”

The Mela, meaning “gathering” in Sanskrit, is a South Asian celebration of Glasgow’s diverse communities which aims to promote local artists and their rich cultural heritage.

Glasgow’s first Mela was held in 1990, when the city was named European City of Culture. Originally an indoor celebration at the then newly opened Tramway, the Glasgow Mela has since become a massive outdoor event, attracting tens of thousands of visitors and hundreds of artists and performers from around the world.