The Glasgow Mela returns to Kelvingrove Park this summer with a dazzling celebration of South Asian culture, creativity and community. Taking place on Sunday 22 June 2025, the Mela is Scotland’s largest multicultural festival and a beloved part of Glasgow’s cultural calendar—bringing people from all backgrounds together for a joyful, vibrant day of music, dance, food and art.
Since its inception in 1990, the Glasgow Mela has grown into a flagship event that honours the city’s rich South Asian communities—particularly its Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan residents—while welcoming the wider public into a shared space of connection and celebration. Organised by Glasgow Life, the festival is a cornerstone of the city’s commitment to diversity and creative expression.
Music and live performances
The Glasgow Mela will host an exciting mix of live performances across multiple stages throughout Kelvingrove Park, running from 12 noon to 8 pm. The programme spans genres from traditional folk and classical styles to urban fusion and contemporary Desi beats.
This year’s main stage headliners include:
- Gtown Desi, Glasgow’s favourite party-starting collective
- Maya Lakhani, known for her bold mix of rock and Indian influences
- Saloni, a rising star of British-Asian pop
Dance will also take centre stage, with show-stopping performances from The Ghungroo Dance Revolution, Abhinaya Dance Academy, and youth-led crews blending hip-hop and Bollywood. Expect high-energy routines, intricate footwork and powerful storytelling through movement.
The Kelvingrove Bandstand will offer something more introspective, hosting talks, workshops and performances focused on South Asian artistry and its place within Scotland’s creative landscape. Topics include music and memory, experimental practices, and wellbeing through the arts—developed in collaboration with Glasgow Life Museums’ Intercultural Youth Group.
Food, fashion and the festival market
No Mela is complete without an incredible spread of food—and Glasgow Mela delivers. The festival’s food stalls will be packed with flavour, offering everything from sizzling kebabs and tandoori grills to fresh samosas, biryani, butter chicken, dosas and street-style chaat. Sweet treats like gulab jamun, jalebi and mango kulfi will round out the menu, alongside fresh sugarcane juice and chilled lassi.
The market area will be full of colour and craft, with stalls offering handmade jewellery, embroidered clothing, South Asian accessories, wellness products and henna art. It’s an excellent opportunity to support local entrepreneurs and discover unique gifts that reflect South Asian style and heritage.
Celebrating inclusion
At its heart, the Glasgow Mela is about community and inclusivity. The event brings together people from all walks of life, creating a welcoming space where cultural exchange thrives. Local groups and artists have helped shape the programme, and the festival reflects the diversity, resilience and warmth of Glasgow’s multicultural communities.
Admission is free, and the event is fully accessible, with provisions in place for wheelchair users and neurodivergent visitors. Volunteers, stewards and first-aid teams will be on hand throughout the day to ensure that everyone can enjoy the event in a safe and supportive environment.
Don’t miss it
Whether you’re there to dance, eat, explore or simply soak up the atmosphere, Glasgow Mela 2025 promises a spectacular day out—full of rhythm, colour and togetherness. Set in the stunning Kelvingrove Park, it’s a cultural highlight of the year and a must-visit for families, foodies and festival fans alike.
Bring your friends, your curiosity, and your appetite—for discovery, connection and celebration.
More information: www.glasgowlife.org.uk