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Running for two decades, the Southampton Mela Festival now attracts around 30,000 people per year from along the South coast to enjoy a fusion of music, dance and family activities, all of an international flavour from world-class artists. The Mela Festival communicates and celebrates the Arts of South Asia.
When and where is Mela Festival?
Mela Festival is taking place Mid-July, from Saturday the 18th to Sunday the 19th at The Hoglands Park in Southampton. Starting at 12pm it ends at 10pm on Saturday and at 6pm on Sunday.
How do I get to Mela Festival?
Travelling by train to Southampton
Located in Southampton city centre, the festival is easily accessible from all surrounding areas, is just an 18-minute walk from Southampton Central station.
If you’re travelling from further west of the country, you can catch the train from Bournemouth to Southampton Central in less than 30 minutes. Or if slightly further afield, you can travel from Weymouth to Southampton Central, direct with SWR in approx. 1 hour 30 minutes.
Travelling from London to Southampton
Southampton Central is one of the most accessible stations on the South Western Railway network and you can travel directly to Southampton from London on the London Waterloo line in approx. 1 hour 25 minutes with regular trains available.
Explore our full range of ticket types to find the right one for your journey to Southampton. You can find cheap train tickets by booking early or going off-peak, and if you have a Railcard or are travelling in a group, you could save even more.
Things to see and do at Mela Festival
Mela Festival is family-friendly and suitable for a wide range of ages, everyone is welcome! The festival entrance is free, and there is plenty of entertainment and activities for all ages. The festival is the largest free festival in the region, attracting international artists to its two stages and outdoor performance spaces, hosting arts, craft, music and dance workshops, and providing delicious world food stalls.
Enjoy two stages packed with world-renowned artists, local and regional performers, and community groups, featuring live music, dance and cultural performances throughout the weekend. Highlights include Saturday's Bhangra headliners, street performances, parades, and family entertainment, including a children's fun fair. Sunday’s programme showcases the breadth of Southampton’s communities, with performances including Pandit Sanju Sahai, Jaymini Sahai, Musical Friends Chinese Arts Southampton, Hampshire Puja and Culture Association, African Activities CIC, and many more.
Food and craft stalls
Explore a wide variety of authentic world food stalls, retail and community traders, and an arts and crafts bazaar showcasing work from local artists. Visitors can also discover unique festival installations, including NUTKHUT's spectacular flower display.
Workshops and family activities
Take part in free, hands-on workshops for all ages, including drumming, Bollywood dance, visual arts, calligraphy, clay moulding and other creative activities, with plenty of family-friendly entertainment available across both days.
Things to do near Mela Festival
If you are heading to Mela Festival, why not enjoy a few days in Southampton?
Discover what this modern metropolis has to offer. Southampton is well-connected by all transports, especially by train and is jam packed with shopping malls, theatres, music venues and great places to eat and drink.
Some top attractions in Southampton include major entertainment venues like the Mayflower Theatre, 02 Guildhall and the City Art Gallery, making Southampton a cultural hub where you can enjoy shows and concerts alike.
In the mood for some shopping? Above Bar street is where you will find the shopping quarter. Nearby, there is also Westquay shopping destination with over 100 stores to choose from.
In Southampton you will also find the New Forest, just a short 13-minute train ride with SWR and you will get to Brockenhurst. Explore the glorious scenery around you during your stay in Southampton.
Where to stay in Southampton?
All the major hotel chains can be found in Southampton, along with smaller boutique hotels catering to all budgets.
The Blue Keys is a family-run hotel just outside the city centre which provides a relaxing atmosphere to visitors.
There is also the charming Pig in the Wall townhouse, offering accommodation and a pub full of character to enjoy a drink in.
Looking for more information about destinations in the Southwest? Discover SWR’s destination guides.
Don’t forget to check out SWR Rewards for money off activities, food, and drink deals.
The Mela Festival Accessibility
The Hoglands Park itself, where the event is held, is wheelchair and pushchair-accessible, the site is flat, and there are concrete paths across the site. In wet weather, mobility might be more challenging.
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