Warrington Mela 2024 is set to be an unforgettable celebration of culture and community, and today the full line-up of this year’s event has been officially announced.
With a host of performers from around the world, it will offer an eclectic mix of music, dance, street theatre and showcases that highlight the wide variety of cultures within Warrington.
The event will kick off at 11am, with a special opening by Deputy Mayor Cllr Mo Hussain, who also serves as Secretary of the Warrington Ethnic Communities Association (WECA). The opening will be followed by a colourful Warrington Mela Parade led by Rhythm of Warrington, a traditional Dhol drumming group.
Among the key acts, Batida Rio, Warrington’s own samba band, will bring Afro-Brazilian rhythms to life, adding a lively energy to the event. The Ancient Giants by Inspirate, a theatrical performance featuring giant puppets, will captivate audiences with a dramatic telling of the battle between good and evil through the epic saga of Rama and Sita.
The Sonia Sabri Company will present The Elephant and the Drummer, an engaging and interactive performance designed for families. Additionally, a special procession from the Hong Kong Community will showcase a creative fusion of cultural traditions and local experiences, adding a unique perspective to the day’s festivities.
Audiences will also be treated to performances by Radist, a Ukrainian folk ensemble from Liverpool, performing traditional dances in stunning costumes. Warrington’s Igbo Women’s Group will showcase a traditional dance from Nigeria, while the Warrington Malayali Association will perform Bollywood, Thiruvathira, and cinematic dances from South India.
The line-up will also feature Ranbir Daskai, a dynamic Bhangra singer, and the SonAash Sisters, known for their fusion of classical Indian and contemporary dance styles. The day will close with an energetic Bhangra dance session led by the SonAash Sisters, inviting everyone to join in.
The streets of Warrington will be alive with interactive performances like Kit and Caboodle by Thingumajig Theatre, where a giant mule puppet will unveil tales of migration and hope. A wide range of street theatre, arts, crafts and wellbeing activities will be available for families to enjoy throughout the day.
Warrington Mela 2024, supported by Warrington Borough Council, Culture Warrington and Warrington BID amongst others, is not only a celebration of cultural diversity, but also aims to encourage community cohesion and unity.
“This year’s Mela is bigger and better, with something for everyone. We’re excited to bring such a diverse range of performances and experiences to Warrington,” said Cllr Mo Hussain. “We encourage everyone to come out, enjoy the festivities and celebrate the vibrant cultures that make our town special.”
Date: Sunday, 15th September 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Queens Gardens & Time Square, Warrington
Entry is free, and the event is open to all.
For further information and the full schedule of performances, click here