Arts Ekta

10/06/2026

We are shocked by the brutal attack in North Belfast that left a man seriously injured and our thoughts remain with him, his family and all those affected.

We are equally concerned by the scenes witnessed across our city and beyond last night, including attacks on homes and communities.

No individual should be targeted because of their race, nationality or background. The actions of one person must never be used to justify fear or hostility towards entire communities.

Through our work, we witness every day the positive contribution that people from many cultures and backgrounds make to Belfast. We remain committed to creating spaces where people can meet, share experiences and build understanding.

We urge everyone to reject rumours and division, support those affected, and help ensure Belfast remains a city where everyone can live safely, with dignity and respect.

Belfast has come through too much in its history to allow fear, anger and division to define us.

09/06/2026

🎂 is turning 20... and we need a few extra birthday helpers!

We're looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to help us bring Mela 2026 between 22 - 30 August.

Whether you love music, meeting people, helping behind the scenes, welcoming visitors or simply being part of something special, we'd love to have you on the team.

Perks include:
✨ New friends
🎭 Behind-the-scenes access
🎶 Fun festival vibes
❤️ A free festival t-shirt

No experience needed — just enthusiasm and a smile.

Join the Mela family and help us celebrate 20 years of culture, community and connection.

Apply now by emailing [email protected]

06/06/2026

The Colour Procession is back for this year’s carnival parade!

Join hundreds of people in the heart of the city for a giant street party led by a live DJ, pumping beats, and colourful vibes.

Grab your colour powder, raise it high and get ready to throw colour into the air as we celebrate 20 years of Belfast Mela together.

Music. Colour. Joy. Chaos. Celebration.

🎂 One city.
🌈 One community.
🎶 One massive burst of colour.

Are you in?

📆 22 August, 12.30pm leaving from Writers Square
🎟️ Book your FREE place: https://tinyurl.com/2fp5b8kv

04/06/2026

is turning 20 and you're invited to the city's biggest birthday party! 🎂

Prepare to be inspired, delighted, and transported as Northern Ireland’s biggest celebration of cultural diversity returns between the 22 - 30 August 2026 for its 20th anniversary year.

🥳 MELA CARNIVAL – a vibrant city-centre parade from Writers Square to City Hall featuring giant floats, live performance and community showcases, with the celebrations continuing across Cathedral Quarter

🥳 MELA DAY – our flagship festival finale in Botanic Gardens, packed with world-class music, dance, food, family activities and cultural experiences

🥳 An extended programme of MELA+ events, talks, exhibitions, workshops and unique cultural experiences across the city.

✨ And as a special gift for our 20th birthday, we're bringing EARTH CHILD – a spectacular free outdoor performance at Titanic Slipways co-produced with Fidget Feet Aerial Dance blending original music, aerial dance and dramatic special effects on an epic scale

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now at belfastmela.org.uk

Join us as we celebrate 20 years of culture, community and connection.

29/05/2026

As our Marking Time: ArtsEkta at 20 series continues, we're reflecting on the people who have shaped our journey over the past two decades.

This month, we're celebrating the artists at the heart of our work.

From the beginning, we have been committed to creating space for artists from diverse backgrounds to develop ideas, take creative risks, and share new perspectives with audiences across Northern Ireland and beyond.

Their creativity has challenged assumptions, opened conversations, built connections, and helped shape a more vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape.

As we look back on twenty years, we're celebrating the artists whose work has helped shape our story — and the many others who continue to inspire what comes next.

👉 Read the full blog: http://artsekta.org.uk/making-space-artists-at-the-heart-of-change/

28/05/2026

Introducing our next Silk Road Journeys experience…

The Persian Garden ✨🫜

Step into a night of spice, scent and shared experience inspired by the beauty and hospitality of Persian culture.

This immersive cultural evening will combine:

✨ A Persian spice blending workshop
✨ Pressed flower candle decorating
✨ A sharing-style Persian food experience
✨ Live music and dance

Inspired by the historic gardens of Persia, this experience is designed to slow things down and bring people together through flavour, creativity and culture.

Expect candlelight, floral notes, aromatic spices and an evening full of warmth and connection.

📅 23 June 2026, 7pm
📍 Olive Tree House
🎟️ £40

Book now → https://artsekta.org.uk/events/silk-road-journeys-the-persian-garden/

27/05/2026

Ahead of the official announcement of the 20th year of Belfast Mela, Nisha Tandon OBE, our founder and CEO speaks to BBC Northern Ireland on her journey to Northern Ireland in the 1970s and decades of community work which led to the biggest celebration of cultural diversity on the island of Ireland 👏

Nisha Tandon moved to Northern Ireland during the Troubles and went on to found one of the country's biggest annual celebrations of cultural diversity.

25/05/2026

Save Play Resource: protect Belfast's capital of childhood creativity

22/05/2026

We’re delighted to announce that we will present our intercultural music experience Connections as part of Fleadh Cheoil in Belfast this August

Under the musical direction of composer Neil Martin, Connections brings together artists, traditions and communities in a powerful celebration of creativity, collaboration and shared identity.

Blending Irish traditional music with sounds and influences from across the world, Connections creates something entirely new — where cultures meet, stories are shared and music becomes a language of connection.

For over a decade, this programme has created unforgettable moments of artistic exchange in Belfast, and in 2026 we’re excited to present a bold new edition featuring exceptional musicians, original compositions and unique collaborations.

📅7 August 2026, 7pm City Hall Gig Rig - https://tinyurl.com/yc4vtrd5

Join us as we celebrate the richness of Belfast’s cultural landscape through one unforgettable live performance.

Belfast City Council Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann

07/05/2026

Do you want to be at the heart of the action and become an insider at a multi-cultural literary festival that carries the sparkle of the Jaipur Literature Festival, all the way from India?

Join us as a volunteer and make real impact as the “greatest literary show on earth” makes its way to Belfast.

Be there at Belfast for JLF Island of Ireland, 22–24 May 2026.

Apply now!