Warrington Mela returns to the town centre on Sunday, August 31st for a full day of free, family-friendly festivities celebrating culture, identity and community.
This year’s theme is Home, with the programme exploring stories of belonging and shared experience through performance, food and creative activity. Events will take place across Queens Gardens and Time Square, bringing people together from across the town and beyond.
Following on from the success of the Food and Drink Festival held in Bank Park recently, a street food and artisan market will be a highlight of the festival, offering international cuisine from India, Korea, Hong Kong, Turkey, Greece and more. Handmade crafts and community stalls will also feature, with local partners such as Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Cheshire Police, Foster4, Warrington Carers Hub, Cadent Gas and many others present to offer information, advice and support.
The day will begin with a colourful procession from Warrington Town Hall to Queens Gardens, led by local performers and community groups, joined by 4-metre-tall puppets Dolly and Rocky who were first seen at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant in London. Throughout the day, the square will host street theatre, creative workshops and performances from both local talent and touring acts.
One of the highlights will be a performance by TeaBreak – an intergenerational theatre group made up of South Asian women from across the North West. Known for blending humour, storytelling, music and movement, they share lived experiences on topics including migration, identity and community.
Queens Gardens will host the community stage with a full line-up of live music and dance acts while Time Square will host additional performances which will encourage audience participation.
Acts will include Movema Dance Company, Batida Rio Samba Band, Radist Ukrainian Dance group, Chinese Lion Dancers, martial arts demonstrations, Capoeira demonstrations and much more.
Walkabout entertainers and hands-on workshops will add to the programme throughout the day. For younger visitors, there will be rides, games, balloon modelling, bubbles and creative activities to enjoy. Further details about the programme will be announced shortly.
Warrington Mela is delivered by Warrington Borough Council in partnership with Warrington Ethnic Communities Association (WECA), supported by Culture Warrington, Arts Council England, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Warrington BID. The event aims to bring communities together through shared experiences and open, welcoming public spaces.
Cllr Jean Flaherty, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Communities, Culture & Leisure, said: “Warrington Mela is one of the most anticipated events in our summer programme. It brings people together from across the borough to celebrate different cultures and communities in a way that feels open, relaxed and welcoming. It’s about enjoying music, food, creativity and connection – all in the heart of our town centre.
“Events like this help strengthen local relationships and shine a light on the diversity that makes Warrington such a dynamic place to live.”
Cllr Mo Hussain, the Mayor and first citizen of Warrington, added: “The Mela reflects Warrington’s values of respect, inclusion and community pride. It’s an opportunity to honour the contributions of our diverse communities and recognise the strength they bring to the town.
“Most importantly, it sets an example for future generations, showing that Warrington is a place where everyone belongs and every culture is valued.”
For more information, visit www.timesquarewarrington.co.uk
