This year’s Aberdeen Mela will be held on Sunday 1st September 2024 from 12 noon until 6pm in the heart of the city. The Mela is returning to Union Terrace Gardens, the venue where it began in 2016. The recently 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. 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 artists, both locally-based and travelling from across Scotland to entertain audiences. Traditional dancers, musicians and singers, including young people and adult community groups as well as 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 singers, instrumentalists and dancers 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 a range of crafts. Activities will include face-painting for children.
Union Terrace Gardens are accessible and family-friendly, with improved disabled parking and lift access, paths designed for wheelchairs, a children’s play area, toilets, seating, and beautiful landscaping and planting.
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.
Come along and be part of the excitement and fun of the Aberdeen Mela!
