Southampton Mela Festival 2026 Weekend Guide

If you are looking for a relaxed plan to spend your Sunday, Hoglands Park is hosting the final day of Southampton's biggest free arts celebration. The Southampton Mela Festival, organised by the local charity Art Asia, has taken over the park this weekend with a massive line-up of music, dance, and family activities. Today, Sunday 19 July, the gates are open from 12pm until 8pm, offering a great opportunity to experience a mix of South Asian heritage and global cultures right in the middle of the city.

Today's schedule kicked off with the powerful beats of the Dandanakka Kalai Kuzu (DKK) drums, setting the tone for a packed afternoon of performances. Over on the Main Stage, you can catch traditional Chinese music from Chinese Arts Southampton, classical Indian sounds and Kathak dance with Pandit Sanju Sahai and Jaymini Sahai, and West African drumming from African Activities CIC. One of the major highlights of the day is a special headline performance by the world-renowned percussionist Padma Shri Velu Aasan, who is collaborating with Prathap Ramachandra for a unique Parai and Mridangam fusion set.

Beyond the stages, the park is filled with interactive workshops and creative spaces. You can try your hand at Chinese drumming with Michael Ng, tabla drumming with Iqbal Pathan, or join in with some Bollywood and Samba dance sessions. The Visual Arts Area is running all day with activities like Rangoli, Chinese calligraphy, and clay moulding, alongside the 'Phool Bloom by Nutkhut' flower installation. If you want to explore some local history, the New Forest Heritage Centre has set up an exhibition detailing the history of Indian army hospitals in the New Forest during World War I. With plenty of street entertainment, Chinese Dragon performers, and food stalls scattered around, it is an easy, free way to spend a summer Sunday afternoon.