The Hounslow Mela 2025 returns this July with a spectacular showcase of South Asian culture, creativity and community spirit. Held at Lampton Park in West London on Sunday 21 July, the Mela is one of the most beloved summer events in the capital, drawing thousands of families, artists, performers and food lovers for a day of joy, unity and cultural pride.
For over 20 years, the Hounslow Mela has stood as a proud celebration of the borough’s richly diverse communities—particularly its large Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Afghan populations. Organised in partnership with the London Borough of Hounslow, community groups, local artists and national talent, the event is rooted in inclusivity, tradition and innovation.
The Mela offers something for everyone—whether you're dancing to the beats of live bhangra, enjoying traditional street food, browsing South Asian fashion, or watching children take part in storytelling and crafts. It’s a celebration of heritage, but also of the new generation: a vibrant mix of history and contemporary British Asian life.
Music and Live Performances
The main stage at Hounslow Mela always delivers an electric mix of performers—and 2025 is no exception. This year’s headliners include H Dhami, the chart-topping bhangra-pop sensation, and Rameet, a rising star in UK Punjabi and urban Desi music. Their performances promise to bring energy, dance, and massive crowd singalongs.
Throughout the day, the lineup will feature live bands, DJs, dance crews, dhol drummers and traditional artists from across London and beyond. Genres span everything from Bollywood hits and classical Kathak to grime, Afrobeats, urban Asian, garage and folk Qawwali. Community and youth groups are also given the stage, adding authenticity and local flavour to the lineup.
A second stage focuses on acoustic, spiritual and classical styles. Expect sitar performances, Sufi singing, poetry readings and spoken word acts that invite reflection and connection. This quieter space provides an oasis within the buzzing festival and draws audiences keen to explore the more introspective side of South Asian artistry.
Food, Fashion and the Festival Market
Food is always a central part of Hounslow Mela, and this year’s Food Court will be brimming with aromas, colour and flavour. Visitors can sample everything from spicy chaat, biryani, dosa and kebabs, to cooling lassi, kulfi, sugarcane juice and mango ice cream. Dishes from Afghanistan, Gujarat, Lahore, Kashmir, Kerala, and Dhaka all sit side-by-side.
There’s also a curated Street Food Village, where younger chefs and pop-ups will serve fusion dishes—like butter chicken tacos, vegan tikka wraps, and Bombay-loaded fries. Seating areas are provided under shaded tents, allowing visitors to relax with family or friends while enjoying live music and delicious bites.
For shoppers, the bazaar-style Mela Market is a treasure trove. Expect stalls offering traditional garments, embellished saris, sherwanis, jewellery, natural wellness products, and handmade gifts. Visitors can find small business owners selling handmade soaps, mehndi cones, South Asian children’s books, and silk scarves. It's an opportunity to support entrepreneurs and discover goods not typically found on the high street.
Family Activities and Workshops
Hounslow Mela is a genuinely family-friendly event, with a full programme of activities for children and teens. A dedicated Kids Zone will host storytelling in multiple languages, face painting, puppet theatre, bouncy castles, and arts and crafts inspired by Indian folk art and Mughal motifs.
There are also cultural workshops and demonstrations including:
- Turban tying tutorials
- Henna art stations
- Bollywood and Bhangra dance classes
- Dhol drum workshops for children and families
- Calligraphy and Rangoli art lessons
- These activities not only provide fun but deepen cultural understanding and invite participation across communities.
Celebrating Community
At its core, the Hounslow Mela is about connection and belonging. Community organisations and local charities play a vital role, setting up stands to raise awareness of important causes such as mental health support, domestic violence services, immigration advice, and youth empowerment.
This year, a new “Heritage and Migration Hub” will showcase oral histories from Hounslow residents, exploring how migration from South Asia has shaped the area across generations. Audio stories, photographs, and artefacts will offer powerful insight into everyday lives—celebrating the strength and resilience of diasporic identity.
In addition, the festival will feature a Wellbeing Tent where yoga instructors, nutritionists and therapists offer short classes and advice in English, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu and Bengali.
Accessibility and Safety
The Mela is free and open to all. Lampton Park is fully accessible for wheelchair users, with accessible toilets, signage and priority viewing areas at major stages. Quiet zones and sensory-friendly options will be available for neurodivergent visitors.
Security, first aid and crowd management teams will be present throughout the day to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
Don’t Miss It
Whether you’re returning to the Mela or attending for the first time, Hounslow Mela 2025 is an unforgettable experience—a joyous fusion of colour, music, tradition and pride. It reflects not only the best of South Asian culture, but the best of London: diverse, open, vibrant, and full of heart.
Bring your friends, bring your family, and bring your appetite—for culture, connection and community.
Hounslow Mela 2025
Sunday 21 July 2025
Lampton Park, Hounslow, TW3 4DN
More information: www.hounslow.gov.uk/mela (link will go live closer to the date)