Now in its 13th year, Birmingham Mela is a major highlight in the UK’s summer festival calendar, attracting tens of thousands of people from across the country. The event showcases the very best in British and South Asian culture, welcoming artists and audiences from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and beyond.

This year’s edition will feature a 12 meter heart spectacular aerial performance , marking a poignant moment for communities to come together through art, movement, and light. The show is an invitation to embrace the values of love, connection, and shared cultural pride – a powerful message in today’s world.

Now recognised as Britain’s largest South Asian festival, Birmingham Mela draws tens of thousands of people from across the UK each year — celebrating the diversity, talent, and spirit of South Asian communities with pride.

Birmingham Mela is one of the only South Asian festivals in Europe to combine major stage performances with grassroots cultural programming — bridging Bollywood with bhangra, qawwali with grime, and samosas with street food fusions.

Beyond the music, the Mela is a feast for the senses with a bustling street food market offering flavours from across South Asia, from Punjabi grills and Gujarati street snacks to Kashmiri chai and Bangladeshi sweets. A vibrant bazaar will showcase fashion, crafts and local businesses, while family zones, funfair rides, and interactive arts spaces make this a must-attend event for all ages.

Leader of Sandwell Council, Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, said: “I have always enjoyed the Mela, which has become a real highpoint of our summer. It is vibrant, has a welcoming atmosphere, and offers great entertainment and food. I am happy that Sandwell continues to support events such as this that celebrate Sandwell’s cultural diversity and heritage. I would strongly urge everyone to come along to this well-attended and popular event.”