THE 17th Belfast Mela Festival has been launched by the Lord Mayor of Belfast.

Sponsored by Sensata Technologies, Mela is now one of largest arts festivals in Ireland, bringing together music, dance, art, theatre and food from around the world to celebrate Belfast’s growing cultural diversity.

The spectacular multicultural festival – which attracted 60,000 plus people last year – will once again take place over nine days, opening on Saturday, August 19 with a spectacular Mela Carnival through the streets of Belfast featuring more than 1,500 participants, followed by 'Mela Plus' events throughout the following days.

New for 2023 is Mela Colours at Botanic Gardens on Saturday, August 26, when thousands of people will come together for a powder-throwing multi-coloured frenzy of fun from 1pm to 5pm. Hosted by comedian and presenter Bronagh Diamond, there'll be dancing, music, live drumming, amazing food and even a chill zone for people of all ages to enjoy.

Mela Day returns to Botanic Gardens on Sunday, August 27, featuring new cultural zones and exciting new performances for 2023.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy, said: “Belfast Mela, produced by ArtsEkta, is now in its 17th year and is still one of the most colourful family orientated celebrations in our city.

“The Belfast Mela Festival encapsulates our city and its welcoming spirit, while also celebrating the diverse, dynamic and fantastic mix of cultural diversity. The nine-day festival is an important platform that will allow minority ethnic communities to share and express their identity and embodies our collective vision for a shared future in Belfast.

“The programme this year will feature outdoor events, walking tours, dance and theatre screenings, finishing off with the much-loved festival finale at Botanic Gardens. I would encourage everyone in Belfast to enjoy the annual Mela extravaganza of colour and celebrate our vibrant, diverse and creative city.”

Dr Nisha Tandon, OBE, Founder of Belfast Mela and Director of ArtsEkta, said: “Summer in Northern Ireland wouldn’t be complete without the Mela, where tens of thousands of visitors come together to revel in a unique carnival of global cultures. Over the past 17 years I have had the enormous privilege of seeing Mela grow from humble beginnings back in 2007 in Botanic Gardens attended by 300 people to the incredible nine-day festival which now attracting more than 60,000 people and representatives from more than 20 nationalities who have made Belfast home."