Manchester Mega Mela 2013: A celebration of South Asian Culture

Though one festival has notably moved out of Platt Fields this summer, another that draws in massive numbers is staying put, as Manchester Mega Mela returns for another year in Fallowfield. Over two days, the Mela celebrates the best that South Asia has to offer, with music, food, clothes and jewellery stalls. The market-like nature of a lot of the festival means that much of the content isn’t concrete until the day itself – but there is already free henna and face-painting confirmed, as well as a weekend of performances on the main stage being broadcast on the BBC’s Asian Network. One of the big draws is the games of Kabbadi – a sport that sits somewhere between bulldog and wrestling, but largely revolves around controlled breathing and men tackling each other. The community is very much at the heart of the event, with the Chai Serai tent teaching of dance, folklore and performance, whereas the funfair gives a more contemporary (and visceral) thrill.

Sat 6 – Sun 7 Jul, Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield, M14 6LA, FREE, www.manchestermela.co.uk