Glasgow Mela 2023 draws thousands to Kelvingrove Park

This year's festival drew an enormous crowd as 20,000 festivalgoers enjoyed a jam-packed day of music, dance, food, bazaars and activities.

This year's performance lineup included headliner and Punjabi singer-songwriter Angrej Ali and Scottish DJs Gtown Desi. Also taking the stage was Scottish-Indian crossover band Unison.

Gtown Desi on the main stage. (Image: Colin Templeton)

A crowd of umbrella-clad Glaswegians were treated to an evening of sunshine to finish off the event after a rainy start, which still attracted thousands of visitors despite the downpour.

Emerging talents like Supermann on da beat, Lavannya Manohar and Mishra also took to the stage as local, national and international acts put on a series of captivating performances.

A range of food stalls were set up so attendees could sample delicacies from around the world, as well as familiar favourites. Market stalls were also back this year offering a range of goods like clothing, accessories, and toys.

Gtown Desi on the main stage. Man on the drums is known as Bubo. (Image: Colin Templeton)

Gtown Desi (Image: Colin Templeton)

Come and try sports sessions were available for people to test out their skills in judo, archery, fencing, and kabaddi.

Delivered by Glasgow Life, the charity delivering culture and sport in Glasgow, the Mela is the largest of its kind in Scotland.

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life and Convenor for Culture, Sport and International Relations for Glasgow City Council, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people enjoying themselves at this year’s Mela.

"The event showed in spectacular style the cultural diversity and musical and artistic talent that Glasgow is known for.

"This year’s Mela proves the event is a highlight of our city’s cultural calendar, offering high-quality performances, food and fun activities for all ages and interests.”

Crowd at main stage - left to right: Madiha Kanwal, Mirha Malikh (1.5 yrs) and Komal Malikh (Image: Colin Templeton)

The Mela, meaning “gathering” in Sanskrit, is a South Asian celebration of Glasgow’s diverse communities which aims to promote local artists and their rich cultural heritage.

Glasgow’s first Mela was held in 1990, when the city was named European City of Culture. Originally an indoor celebration at the then newly opened Tramway, the Glasgow Mela has since become a massive outdoor event, attracting tens of thousands of visitors and hundreds of artists and performers from around the world.