The Maidstone Community Mela is almost here ....

Preparations are nearly complete for the Maidstone Community Mela which will be returning on Sunday 14^th July at Whatman Park between 12.30pm and 6pm.  The Mela is organised by a partnership of community organisations led by Kent Equality Cohesion Council, the Maidstone Cultural Group and is produced by Cohesion Plus and is a celebration of music, food and dance from around the world.  

There will be an exciting programme of culturally diverse acts performing on and off stage including folk band Ukelear Fallout, rapper Bando Black, Phase 5 Steel Band and the Chinsese Dancing Lions.  A number of locally based acts will also be performing including the Maidstone Nepalese Community Group, the Maidstone Malayalee Group and Kitka Bulgarian Folk Dance.

They will also be joined by the Folkin Fusion Drumming Collective a performance which brings together music and dance from North India and Southern Africa to create a unique show featuring the ever popular Four by Four Bhangra, Bill Singh and Lucky Moyo, The Community Mela will be headlined by the renowned Kings of Motown who will be performing Motown classics along with their signature dance moves.  

Find the complete programme for this year’s Mela here.

Off stage there will be a wealth of activity including the World in a Tent featuring Nepalese and Roma culture and heritage, free creative arts workshops, food from around the world as well as for the first time a prosecco and beer bar.

Gurvinder Sandher, the Mela producer commented:

“The Maidstone Community Mela is a much beloved event and has stood the test of time despite funding and venue concerns.  However, we have been unwavering in our commitment to making sure the Mela comes back to Maidstone once again.  The Mela is our longest running event and to me it is about bringing the communities of the borough together, celebrating our shared values and the positive community relations we enjoy. I am excited for everyone to see what we have planned this year on and off stage.  Of course we wouldn’t have been able to bring the Mela back to Maidstone without the help and support from our funders, volunteers and community partners who I am incredibly grateful to.”

Find out more about this exciting community event here www.maidstonemela.com