Mela Carnival: Full details as Belfast’s most joyful street party returns this Saturday

Mela is back this weekend, louder, prouder and ready to celebrate everything that makes Belfast beautifully diverse.

The much-loved Mela Carnival Parade returns to the streets of Belfast this weekend.

Led by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, the colourful annual event sets off from Writer’s Square at 12.30 (sharp) to City Hall this Saturday, August 16 to mark the start of the 19^th Belfast Mela Festival.

Following a record-breaking year in 2024 that welcomed nearly 60,000 visitors, this year’s nine-day cultural spectacular returns with an even more exciting line-up of global music, dance, theatre, well-being, food, art and immersive experiences.

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The festival kicks off on Saturday at 12.30pm when Mela Carnival lights up Belfast city centre for its fourth consecutive year.

Hundreds of artists and community participants in traditional dress will be accompanied by world beats, dazzling floats and infectious energy.

Once the carnival reaches City Hall, the celebration continues with a free Mini Mela from 1pm to 4pm, hosted by U105’s Carolyn Stewart and UTV’s Paul Reilly, featuring live performances, workshops, and family-friendly fun.

A centrepiece of the Mela Carnival is ‘When Worlds Collide’, a moving outdoor theatre production taking place at 2pm and 3pm on the City Hall lawns after the carnival finishes.

This poignant tale follows two young girls – one from the mangroves of the Sundarbans, the other from Belfast’s rivers – who unite through themes of climate crisis, ancestral heritage and digital activism.

It blends storytelling, original music and dance into a stirring call for environmental action created and performed by young people from across the city and beyond.

‘When Worlds Collide’ – which is the centrepiece of this Saturday’s Mela Carnival – features lots of young people from across Belfast. It’s a celebration of cultural heritage and a call to protect our shared environment.

A spokesperson for the production said: “Follow the lives of two girls—one from the Sundarbans in South Asia, the other from Belfast—who connect across oceans through shared stories, ancestral wisdom and a burning desire to save the planet.

“When the tide rises and the forest vanishes, a girl mourns the loss of her homeland’s mangroves and the legendary golden tiger, Shonar. Thousands of miles away, another girl in Northern Ireland wonders what happened to the bees, the damsel fly, and the haunting call of the curlew. Their worlds couldn’t be further apart—or more alike.

“Through bold performances, original songs, and dynamic choreography, this show unites young voices from around the globe in a call for action. Created by and starring young people, it’s both a celebration of cultural heritage and a wake-up call to protect our shared environment. Join us in Belfast for a story that proves: when young voices rise together, the world listens.”

And for the first time, organisers are bringing the magic of Mela to the Cathedral Quarter, supported by CQ BID as St Anne’s Square, Commercial Court (Hill Street) and Cotton Court come alive with high-octane performances from Dhol drummers, Chinese Lion and Dragon dancers, Bollywood and Mexican dancers and the electrifying SPARK drummers from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Full programme for Mela Carnival this Saturday

This Saturday, August 16 at 12:30pm Belfast city centre will host a spectacular celebration of culture, creativity, and community as we launch the 19th annual #BelfastMela in true carnival style!

Carnival Parade from Writers Square to City Hall

Watch the streets come alive with hundreds of performers, vibrant global costumes, giant sculptures, pulsating world music, and high-energy dance.

Global Village at City Hall

After the parade, head to the City Hall grounds for an afternoon of live music, family workshops, and cultural showcases – all completely FREE!

Cathedral Quarter Mini Mela

The celebration continues across Hill Street, Writers’ Square, Donegal Quay, and St Anne’s Square with pop-up performances, music, and colourful surprises.

When Worlds Collide

Don’t miss this powerful outdoor theatre performance in the City Hall grounds — a moving tale of climate action told through music, storytelling, and dance, led by a mystical procession of endangered animals.

It’s all happening in the heart of Belfast – and it’s all FREE. So gather your friends, charge your phone and join the most joyful street party of the year!

The festival’s grand finale, Mela Day, returns to Botanic Gardens on Sunday, 24 August from 12 noon to 6pm—an unforgettable party in the park where tens of thousands will flock to enjoy the global sights, sounds, tastes and traditions that truly capture the spirit of Belfast’s vibrant multicultural community.

And in between there’s a full week of unmissable events – from late-night gigs and foodie feasts to theatre, wellness, exhibitions, and more.

Mela is back this weekend, louder, prouder, and ready to celebrate everything that makes Belfast beautifully diverse.

Full information is available at www.belfastmela.org.uk.

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