What would Birmingham be without its South Asian community? A lot less interesting if you ask me. To celebrate the city’s melting pot of cultures, the biggest South Asian music festival in Europe, Sandwell & Birmingham Mela, returns to Smethwick’s Victoria Park this summer.
The two-day event (July 19 & 20), established in 2011, brings together the very best of music, dance, food, arts and crafts, and more from South Asian culture. With thousands of attendees expected to watch hundreds of artists, Birmingham Mela will stage some of the biggest desi names from the UK and abroad—and tickets start from only £6.
What can I expect to find?
There are over eight unique zones of activity to enjoy at Birmingham Mela, but obviously, the music is its biggest draw. So far, the lineup consists of Indian singer and film actress Sunanda Sharma, Bollywood playback singer Harshdeep Kaur, and the multi-talented Pakistani singer Yasir Hussain. But plenty more will be announced soon.
Elsewhere, tuck into a vast array of world food cuisine from South Asian, British and Chinese traders in the Food Village. Enjoy hundreds of shops, from local businesses to international brands, selling everything from clothing to jewellery and beauty in the Shopping Bazaar. And don’t forget to have a go on the Funfair!
Want to get away from the crowds? We haven’t even begun to talk about the huge range of art and crafts workshops, street theatre, dance classes, live cooking demonstrations, rising musical stars, and so much more that you will find dotted around throughout the whole of Birmingham Mela.
How do I get to Birmingham Mela?
Located in Victoria Park in Smethwick, between Sandwell and Birmingham, the best way to get there is by public transport. Expect temporary road closures on both days in the area, with limited parking in and around Victoria Park. The closest rail station is Smethwick Rolfe Street, which is 15 minutes from Victoria Park, while the Number 82 bus from Birmingham to Bearwood stops on the High Street right next to it.
How much are tickets?
Tickets start from £3 a day, so visiting both days only costs £6 (plus booking fee). You can also grab a VIP ticket from £38.99 a day, which offers a chance to meet the artists, side of stage viewing, access to Mela VIP Village and more. To get your tickets to Sandwell & Birmingham Mela head here.