Twelfth Belfast Mela Set to be Biggest Yet

Northern Ireland's favourite family get together and largest celebration of cultural diversity, was officially launched with the announcement that its first ever major title sponsorship will be with SPAR, the largest independent retailer in Northern Ireland

More than 25,000 people visit the Belfast Mela each August and this year’s festival together with SPAR promises to be the biggest ever on Sunday 26th August.

Bronagh Luke, Head of Corporate Marketing at Henderson Group, owners of the SPAR brand in Northern Ireland said: “SPAR is proud to become the first title sponsor of the Belfast Mela. It is a perfect partnership as both brands are committed to celebrating the best of our communities in Northern Ireland.

“We have exciting plans to get involved with this year’s festival in Botanic Gardens and look forward to being part of this extraordinary celebration of cultural diversity through music, dance, food and fun for all the family which has captured the hearts of the Northern Ireland people.

“SPAR is a global brand with a local heart in Northern Ireland, we don’t just serve the community, we’re part of it.  With Belfast Mela’s commitment to global cultures through the local community, we have found a perfect partnership and look forward to integrating SPAR’s retailers and fresh food into this year’s festival programme.  SPAR will be sampling a range of fresh foods including tonight’s tea offerings, scratch cooking ideas, as well as fresh Mediterranean mezze selection of dishes”

Nisha Tandon, Executive Director of Arts Ekta and founder of the Belfast Mela said: “It is truly an honour to welcome SPAR as our first ever title sponsor for the Belfast Mela. SPAR shares the same genuine commitment to our community, so is an ideal partner for expanding and growing the Belfast Mela in the years to come.

“The Belfast Mela has secured tremendous support from local communities as more than a quarter of a million people have visited the festival over the last decade. In this our 12th year we want to entice more people to come for the first time and experience all Belfast Mela has to offer.  With SPAR’s investment in Mela and the strength of SPAR’s presence in Northern Ireland we can now reach more people than ever before.  We are also looking forward to a special SPAR team performance in this year’s festival as well as SPAR activities and flavours for all the family.”

Belfast Mela together with SPAR takes place on Sunday 26th August from 12 noon until 6pm transforming Botanic Gardens into an exotic magical garden with up to 30,000 people expected to enjoy the sights, sounds and aromas from a wealth of nations.

Tickets are now available to book online priced £7 for adults; £6 concession and a family ticket costs £15, covering entry for 2 adults and 2 children under 16. Book now for early bird discounts at www.belfastmela.org.uk

Northern Ireland Travel News were at the official launch party this morning at the Rooftop Bar in Babel, Belfast – head on over to our instagram to check out the highlights from the morning event.

news