In this article, you'll learn the following:
The Southampton Mela Festival is a major celebration of South Asian arts and culture, bringing music, dance, food and family activities together in one vibrant summer event. Over the past twenty years it has grown into a highlight of the South Coast calendar, now welcoming around 30,000 people each year.
The festival showcases world‑class performers alongside community talent, creating a lively mix of international flavours and local pride.
When and where is Mela Festival?
The Southampton Mela Festival takes place in mid‑July, running from Saturday 18 to Sunday 19 at Hoglands Park in Southampton.
Gates open at 12pm each day, with the festival finishing at 10pm on Saturday and 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.
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 with SWR in around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Travelling from London to Southampton
You can travel direct to Southampton from London Waterloo in less than an hour and a half.
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
The Southampton Mela Festival is fully family‑friendly, welcoming all ages to enjoy a packed weekend of culture and entertainment. Entry is free, and there’s plenty to explore across the park - from live performances and workshops to food stalls serving flavours from around the world.
As the largest free festival in the region, Mela attracts international artists to its two stages and outdoor performance spaces. Expect music, dance, arts and craft activities, hands‑on workshops and a brilliant mix of global street food.
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 jam packed with shopping centres, 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.
Southampton is also close to the New Forest, just a 13-minute train ride with SWR to Brockenhurst. Explore the glorious scenery, nature-filled walks, water activities and more here.
Where to stay in Southampton?
All the major hotel chains can be found in Southampton, along with smaller boutique hotels.
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.
.png)
.png?w=20&h=20&hash=A27DEDC3CB66864892AB5F31B0A562AB)
.png?w=20&h=20&hash=129110E7E4AD7DE8869174C52BFE9527)
.png?w=20&h=20&hash=A9FCD0F435EF6410C71EA938E1E313EB)
.png?w=20&h=20&hash=85B92FE376D2298E4CABB2E785A685E2)
.png?w=20&h=20&hash=7BC22973B3FACC42328AFE898545ACF0)
.png?w=20&h=20&hash=FF6B7F6BE4C88427FFBA76A3D3721094)
.png?w=20&h=20&hash=49C08E0213F0E5DC3AA9251CEC11376C)
.png?w=20&h=20&hash=9DC1C0B2EB78BC6FD23919683E3D54D9)
.png?w=20&h=20&hash=9ADE9385DA8374A9BBF747B208D9FC2E)
.jpg?w=20&h=20&hash=03DF7290183D6A46242578BC61BC497E)
