One of the region’s most popular and longest running events is just a week away.
Middlesbrough will welcome crowds from across the region and beyond for one of the UK’s most vibrant celebrations of culture, music and diversity.
The town’s Albert Park will play host to the hugely popular Middlesbrough Mela which marks its 34th year over the weekend of Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8.
The multicultural showcase – postponed from earlier this month - is legendary for its unrivalled mix of live performance, entertainment and mouth-watering food showcasing cuisines from across the globe.
Crowds of up to 50,000 over the weekend are drawn to the event’s heady mix of high-profile South Asian artists, home-grown talent, dance acts and family favourites.
Sunday’s headliner Roach Killa is a household name making his mark in Bollywood, with hits including Main Tera Boyfriend for the film Raabta and Aa To Sahi For the hit film Judwa 2.
Joining a star-studded line-up including Rameet Sandhu, Sahara UK, and Qawwali from the Hussain Brothers is singer-songwriter Bee2.
Organisers also report an increase in the number of traders at this year’s Mela with inquiries still coming in, while the international shopping bazaar has been extended, and there will be the usual range of food stalls to cater for all tastes.
The event is supported as ever by Cleveland Police, while officers from Durham and Northumbria will be attending and exhibiting at this year’s Mela.
BBC Radio Tees and Sunrise Radio will be the event’s broadcast partners and host on the Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Mela Executive Director Kash Patel said: “Following the decision to postpone this year’s event by a few weeks, we were overwhelmed with countless messages of support from people urging us to reschedule as quickly as possible.
“We’re delighted to have been able to do that, and I know people won’t be disappointed.
“Our Mela is renowned for bringing some of the very best acts from around the globe to Albert Park, and there really is something for everyone in this year’s line-up.
“Headliner Roach Killa is hugely in demand on the UK Mela circuit so it’s a fantastic coup for Middlesbrough to have him headline the main stage.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone for what will be a truly unforgettable weekend.”
Main sponsors for the 2024 Middlesbrough Mela are Everyone Active, Teesside University and Unison.
Guest speakers at the event will include Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke, Middlesbrough and Thornaby East MP Andy McDonald and Cleveland Police & Crime Commissioner Matt Storey.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “It speaks volumes that our town is home to the UK’s longest running Mela, and that is a source of enormous local pride.
“Middlesbrough Mela is an unstoppable force for good, and one that will always prevail in the face of those who would divide communities and sow discord.
“Mela continues to blaze a trail that others follow, and this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever.”
The 2024 Middlesbrough Mela takes place on Saturday 7 September and Sunday 8 September in the town’s Albert Park.
The event is free for all to attend and tickets are not required.