Southampton Mela Festival

Come along to Southampton's biggest FREE Festival!

For two decades, the FREE Southampton Mela Festival has been a cornerstone of the city's summer calendar, celebrating the vibrant tapestry of modern and traditional culture. This beloved two-day annual event draws approximately 30,000 visitors from across the South Coast, offering an immersive experience of international music, dance, and family entertainment—all completely free of charge.

As the region's largest free festival, Southampton Mela has earned its reputation as the perfect family day out. This year two dynamic stages showcase world-class international artists, while free interactive workshops invite visitors to explore arts, crafts, music, and dance traditions. The festival's diverse array of world food stalls ensures a delicious culinary journey that complements the cultural festivities.

Admission is completely free, along with family-focused activities, ensuring that cultural celebration is available to all members of the community.

Art Asia, the festival's organising body, is dedicated to environmental responsibility and sustainability. Through collaborative efforts with artists, suppliers, and vendors, the organisation continues to implement eco-friendly practices that respect and preserve the festival's park setting for future generations.