After the spectacular summer celebration of the Tall Ships, here is the next event to draw the crowds into the heart of the city.
The Aberdeen Mela will be held on Sunday 7th September 2025 from 12 noon until 6pm. The Mela will again fill Union Terrace Gardens, the place where it began in 2016. The remodelled gardens will form an ideal venue for this vibrant, joyous, multicultural festival.
The Mela is a large-scale family-friendly event for all ages that promotes understanding and awareness of cultural diversity. Traditionally an Asian festival, the Aberdeen Mela embraces cultures from across the world and close to home. It is free to come along and enjoy the Mela.
The main focus of the event will be music and dance. The Mela will feature bands and solo artists, both locally-based and travelling from across Scotland to entertain audiences. Traditional dancers, musicians and singers, including early career acts, community groups and renowned professional artists, will perform on the main stage.
Thousands of people are expected to come along to listen and dance to the music and enjoy the spectacle of the performers in their gorgeous costumes.
A selection of food and drink stalls will be available within the gardens. On nearby streets, restaurants, cafes and eating places offer a diverse range of tempting meals and snacks.
You will be able to browse and buy from stalls showcasing the work of third sector organisations and various crafts. There will be activities for children.
Union Terrace Gardens are accessible and family-friendly, with disabled parking and lift access, paths designed for wheelchairs, a children’s play area, toilets, seating, and beautiful landscaping and planting. Bus routes from across the city call at stops on nearby streets.
The Aberdeen Mela is a celebration of cultural diversity across the North East of Scotland and an established part of the city’s cultural events calendar.
The Aberdeen Multicultural Centre plans and runs the Mela, working in partnership with Aberdeen City Council and other organisations, community groups, businesses, and the emergency services. Many volunteers contribute their time, effort and expertise.
If you are interested in volunteering with the Mela, you can provide your contact details on the Volunteers page of the website at Bringing people together — aberdeen mela. There is a variety of different roles, and you will be welcome to join the team.
Come along and be part of the excitement and fun of the Aberdeen Mela!
