The 18th Belfast Mela Festival, sponsored by Sensata Technologies, was officially launched by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, at the Atrium, Ulster University, Belfast. This vibrant, multi-day event has become a cornerstone of Northern Ireland's cultural landscape, attracting over 60,000 attendees last year.
The festival, renowned for its diverse programme of music, dance, art, theatre, wellbeing activities, and cuisine, will once again bring together the city's diverse communities. The festivities will kick off on Saturday 17th August at 12.30pm, with a dazzling Mela Carnival procession through the city centre. Featuring over 1,000 participants, the colourful spectacle will make its way to City Hall for a free Mini Mela from 1pm to 4pm.
Throughout the week, a variety of events will take place, culminating in the traditional Mela Day at Botanic Gardens on Sunday 25th August. This grand finale will be a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity, offering a spectacular party in the park atmosphere.
Darren Walker, Site Leader at Sensata Technologies NI, the festival's principal sponsor, expressed the company's enthusiasm for supporting the event. "As a global company, we are very proud of our diverse workforce," he commented. "We know that we are smarter together. That's why we are delighted to continue our support for the Belfast Mela Festival and its goal to celebrate the richness of culture that we have in Northern Ireland. It's great to see it continue as a nine-day festival with lots of events for all the family."
The festival is further bolstered by a new partnership with Allstate NI, who are sponsoring the inaugural "Wellbeing Week". This week-long series of events will feature sound baths across the city, culminating in an "Allstate NI World of Wellbeing" zone at Mela Day, located within the Rose Garden at Botanic Gardens. This dedicated space will offer a range of activities for all ages, including a tranquil retreat at the Tropical Ravine, sound escape sessions, storytelling for children and adults, womb harmony and healing, Qi-Gong sessions, yoga and meditation, Reiki, massages, mindful art, and various other workshops and activities.
Stephen McKeown, Vice President/Managing Director, Allstate Northern Ireland, highlighted the alignment between the festival's values and those of the company. "Inclusive Diversity & Equity (IDE) is a core value at Allstate, and it's our purpose-driven employees who bring it to life," he said. "We embrace diverse perspectives, experiences, and engagements that contribute to a more inclusive place to work. The Belfast Mela Festival aligns with our values to celebrate and showcase cultural diversity and promote diversity and inclusion."
The Belfast Mela Festival 2024 promises to be a vibrant and enriching experience for all. With the support of local technology companies like Sensata Technologies and Allstate NI, the festival continues to grow, offering a platform for celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of Northern Ireland.
