A HUGE funding boost has been given to a popular multi-cultural festival in Warrington to help make it the ‘most ambitious and inclusive yet’.
Warrington’s Mela Festival, which was held for the first time in 2011, is an outdoor multi-cultural festival of free street theatre, dance, music and food.
It will be held once again this year on Sunday, September 15 and is organised by Warrington Ethnic Communities Association (WECA).
Warrington Borough Council, in partnership with WECA, has been awarded a National Lottery Project Grant from Arts Council England of £22,376 towards the cost of this year’s event.
“We are very thankful to Arts Council England for awarding us the funding and are very pleased that Warrington Mela is being recognised as a high-quality arts festival which promotes cultural diversity across the town,” said Cllr Mo Hussain, Deputy Mayor of Warrington and secretary of WECA.
Further funding has also been awarded from the council’s Community Interest Fund, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and from the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire.
This boost will engage targeted groups from Warrington’s harder to reach communities and make this year ‘the most ambitious and inclusive yet’.
Sonia Sabri Dance Company will be entertaining audiences with a performance, and a variety of street theatre and puppetry will also be on show.
A community stage will also be showcasing a range of talent, aiming to celebrate Warrington’s diverse communities.
This year’s festival will be held again in Palmyra Squares, with additional activities also available in Time Square.
“For the first time, Warrington Mela will connect Palmyra Square to Time Square, the heart of Warrington town centre,” said Cllr Tony Higgins, cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure.
“The day will celebrate ‘connections’ and bring people together through culture, food, workshops, and an arts programme that reflects the wide cultural diversity of Warrington today.
“This year’s Mela promises to be an inclusive feast of family fun, in a welcoming and accessible environment.
“There’ll be something for everyone.”
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