THE full programme of events and performers for this year’s Warrington Mela Festival has been released.
Warrington’s Mela Festival, which was held for the first time in 2011, is an outdoor multi-cultural festival of free street theatre, music and food.
It will be held once again next weekend on Sunday, September 15, and has been 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’.
The festival will kick off at 11am in Time Square, opened by Cllr Mo Hussain, followed by the Warrington Mela Parade led by traditional Dhol drumming group, Rhythm of Warrington.
Warrington’s own Samba Band, Batida Rio, will fill the streets with Afro -Brazilian inspired rhythms and impressive giant puppets will portray the struggle between good and evil.
Later, a Ukrainian Folk Ensemble from Liverpool called Radist will perform a mix of contemporary and folk dances from the central Ukraine region.
Classically trained dancers, Aashana and Sonalia SonAash will perform a classical fusion dance from India before the festival concludes at 5pm.
The 27 and 28-year-olds have danced since they were children and are known for their impeccable synchronisation and fusion of dance styles.
Over at Queen’s Gardens, the Warrington Mela Parade will arrive at 11.40am.
The Hong Kong Community Procession will start at midday and will showcase two groups’ creative response to Hong Kong culture and what it’s like to live in Warrington while giving homage to their roots.
Traditional dances from south India, including Bollywood and Cinematic dance, will be presented by Warrington’s Malayali Association.
Kit and Caboodle by Thingumajig Theatre will perform at 12.30pm and at 2.15pm and will reveal stories and songs of remarkable journeys of people searching for a better life.
The festival will conclude at Queen’s Gardens at 4.15pm and visitors are being asked to leave the site quietly and respectfully.
“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,” said Cllr Tony Higgins, cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure.
“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.”
To see the full programme for this year’s festival, click here.
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