Everything you need to know about the 2024 Glasgow Mela
The Glasgow Mela returns this weekend for a day full of free multicultural fun for all the family!
Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 19 June 2024 9:44
The festival features music, dance, and arts from across the globe and is a popular part of Glasgow’s annual events calendar.
The Glasgow Mela is a celebration of South Asian culture and heritage. It is based on the traditions of the Indian sub-continent and has evolved to become an outdoor multicultural spectacular.
Below is everything you need to know about the 2024 Glasgow Mela.
When is it?
The Glasgow Mela is on Sunday 23 June, from 12pm to 8pm.
Music
Local, national and international artists will take to the stage to wow audiences.
Acts will range from award-winning Punjabi rapper Roach Killa to Scottish DJs Gtown Desi and Glasgow's own Rameet Sandhu.
After many years, Glasgow’s original bhangra rockers Bombay Talkie are reuniting for a special performance.
The Bhangra Beatles will also perform hits from the Fab Four like you’ve never heard them before. This year’s event will be headlined by the legendary Apache Indian.
Food and market stalls
The Glasgow Mela has a wide selection of food stalls with everything from tasty samosas and kebabs to churros and refreshing mango lassis.
There is also a range of market stalls offering clothes, jewellery, henna, and much more.
Workshops
Why not get in on the fun by joining one of the workshops or panels running at the Kelvingrove Bandstand?
There is an interactive panel discussion about the importance of food stories for Asian cultural identity.
Author Nadine Aisha Jassat will also hold a talk about the inspiration behind her children’s novels. You will have the chance to come up with your own ideas as part of the session.
Or bring a piece of old clothing to the bandstand in the afternoon and take part in an upcycling workshop with Mridula Sharma.
If music is more your bag, then you’ll love the Glasgow Mela Big Singalong. Glasgow Sitare, a singing group for South Asian women, will help you learn Bollywood and Hindi film songs.
Sport
The Glasgow Mela may be best known for its music, dancing, and culinary delights. However, there is also an opportunity for people to try out different sports.
Get yourself to the Kelvingrove tennis courts and bowling green for a chance to play hockey, kabaddi, badminton, and volleyball.
There is also fencing and other sporting activities, including archery in the park.
Dance
As well as music, there are also spectacular dance acts at the Glasgow Mela. These range from The Ghungroo Dance Revolution to the Abhinaya Dance Academy.
Abhinaya students who have achieved Arangetram will take to the stage at the Mela for the first time. Arangetram is a debut performance marking their readiness as soloists after years of training.
The Ghungroo Dance Revolution will be performing a piece based on Navras, the nine fundamental emotions that form the essence of artistic expression.
Getting there
If you’re planning on driving, there are limited spaces at Lilybank Gardens, Kelvinbridge and Bunhouse Street.
Public transport is also available. The nearest subway stations to the park are Kelvin Hall and Kelvinbridge.
The first Glasgow Mela was in 1990 as part of the city’s celebrations as the European City of Culture. The event is now one of the largest in the country, with thousands of people attending each year.
You can find more information about the 2024 Glasgow Mela by visiting www.glasgowlife.org.uk
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Buchanan Galleries welcomes two new stores for the festive season
City centre shopping destination Buchanan Galleries has expanded its retail line-up this December with the arrival of two new stores, offering visitors even more choice in the run-up to Christmas.
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival supports 50 next generation filmmakers across three star studded talent labs
Lab mentors and partners include Oscar-winning and nominated directors, leading animation studios, and executives from Netflix, BFI, Aardman, and Curzon.
READ MORE
Caledonia Gladiators launches most exclusive seat in Scottish sport in aid of GCH Charity
Scotland's basketball franchise Caledonia Gladiators has launched a unique new VIP experience – thought to be the most exclusive sporting seat in the country – in aid of charity.
READ MORE
Shipbuilding heritage, tall tales & Scottish cuisine make a tasty tune
Since launching in 2019, the Shipyard Bards, Tall Tales and Dinner events held at Glasgow's Mharsanta restaurant have repeatedly sold out.
READ MORE
Dr. Gillian Shirreffs Book Signing for Elephant at Waterstones Byres Road
Gillian Shirreffs has raised over £30,000 for charity through her writing, and she'll be signing copies of Elephant on Saturday 13th December at Waterstones Byres Road.
READ MORE
Silverburn unwraps a festive December of entertainment
Silverburn, Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, has unveiled a packed diary full of events this December, as guests get ready for Christmas.
READ MORE
Celtic Connections brought surprise morning gigs to coffee shops across Glasgow at the weekend
Celtic Connections surprised Saturday morning coffee goers with live pop-up gigs across Glasgow, bringing emerging artists into unexpected spaces.
READ MORE
Panto Pays: festive theatre season delivers economic boost
As part of Glasgow 850's Get You In Panto Town celebration, new figures reveal the significant economic contribution of Glasgow's beloved pantomime season to the city's economy.
READ MORE
Ring in Hogmanay with darts, dancing, and bottomless pizza
If your New Year's resolution is to have more fun, start early at Flight Club!
READ MORE
The oldest bar and restaurant in Glasgow unveils spectacular makeover
Sloans, has unveiled a spectacular festive transformation following a £300,000 investment that has reinvented the 228-year-old venue inside and out.
READ MORE
Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue
There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.
READ MORE
Is Glasgow Green Santa the coolest in the UK
Some visitors reckon that Santa's cousin who is currently in residence at Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green is the coolest of Santas.
READ MORE
Toys the season to be Jolly! Kids in Glasgow can win the entire DreamToys list this Christmas
Children in Glasgow are in for a festive treat this year, as a number of local retailers have announced they will be giving away all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.
READ MORE
Trust calls for the home of Scottish football to be saved from an own goal
National Trust for Scotland has added its voice to those seeking assurances about the preservation of the first ever Hampden Park in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Cocktails and Champagne at new Luss Distillery
The newly opened Luss Distillery has announced its first events ahead of the festive season.
READ MORE
Glasgow shoppers slow down for a calmer Black Friday at The Social Hub
Glasgow shoppers embraced “slow shopping” as The Social Hub hosted its Rethink Black Friday market, offering a calm alternative that spotlighted local makers.
READ MORE
Tis the season: Meet Home Alone inspired characters at Glasgow Fort
Christmas is in full swing at Glasgow Fort, with festive character visits, the Christmas market and family activities now underway to help get shoppers of all ages into the festive spirit.
READ MORE
Family run Jackton Distillery unveils bumper festive programme for 2025
Jackton Distillery, the family run Lowland distillery behind the RAER whisky, spirits and wine portfolio, has announced a packed Christmas calendar for December 2025.
READ MORE
First Scottish KENJI store now open at Silverburn
East Asian-inspired lifestyle brand KENJI has opened the doors to its first Scottish store as it joins the impressive brand lineup at Silverburn.
READ MORE
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Festive fun on the farm at the National Museum of Rural Life
Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family at the National Museum of Rural Life.
READ MORE
Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas
Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.
READ MORE
Breakout Scots star urges young people to discover new artists IRL at Celtic Connections coffee pop ups
Katie Gregson-MacLeod is urging young Glaswegians to discover new music IRL as Celtic Connections brings free pop-up gigs to Patricia's x SLB, Through The House and Black Pine this Saturday.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!
READ MORE
Calum Bowie gives Barrowland call up to 2 rising stars for landmark 5th December show
Calum Bowie has invited two fresh local talents to support him at his upcoming landmark show in December at The Barrowlands!
READ MORE
Partick Film Festival returns in January with special anniversary screening of Rob Roy
Partick Film Festival returns in January with a range of events including a special 30th anniversary screening of Rob Roy, followed by a Q&A with the director Michael Caton-Jones.
READ MORE
Somewhere by Nico Launches Festive Cocktail Experience
This festive season, Glasgow and Edinburgh relevellers can relive the magic of Christmas past as Somewhere by Nico unveil a brand-new immersive experience!
READ MORE
Beatson Cancer Charity Ambassadog Baxter leads the way at Santa Dash 2025
Beatson Cancer Charity is thrilled to announce that our Ambassadog, Baxter, will be taking part in this year's Santa Dash on Sunday 7th December!
READ MORE
Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year
Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.
READ MORE
Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links