Newcastle Mela: The North East's Biggest Cultural Festival on Gosforth's Doorstep
Over 30 years of South Asian music, dance, food, and colour in Exhibition Park. The Newcastle Mela returns on 30-31 August 2026 and it is completely free.
Every August bank holiday weekend, Exhibition Park transforms into one of the most vibrant and colourful festivals in the North East. The Newcastle Mela is a two-day celebration of South Asian culture featuring live music, dance, food from across the subcontinent, arts, crafts, and family activities -- and it is completely free to attend.
For Gosforth residents, it is practically on the doorstep. Exhibition Park sits just south of the Town Moor, a short walk from South Gosforth Metro or a few minutes by bus down the Great North Road. If you have never been, 2026 is a great year to start.
What Is the Mela?
The word "mela" means "gathering" or "fair" in Sanskrit, Hindi, and Urdu. Newcastle's Mela has been running since 1994, making 2026 its 32nd year. It is organised by Newcastle Asian Arts and Music (NAAM) and has grown from a modest community event into one of the largest outdoor festivals in the region, regularly attracting over 40,000 visitors across the weekend.
The Mela brings together the sights, sounds, and flavours of Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Indian, and other South Asian cultures. But it has always been open to everyone -- families, students, couples, and visitors from across the North East come together for a weekend that celebrates diversity and community.
When and Where
The 2026 Newcastle Mela takes place on Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August at Exhibition Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4PZ. Gates typically open at around 10am each day, with performances running into the evening.
The celebrations usually begin a few days earlier with Mela in the City, a free curtain-raiser event at Grey's Monument in Newcastle city centre featuring drummers, dancers, henna artists, and stilt walkers. Keep an eye on the Newcastle Mela website for the exact date.
Best for: A free, family-friendly weekend of South Asian music, food, and culture in Exhibition Park -- right on Gosforth's doorstep.
What to Expect
Food
The food stalls are one of the highlights. Expect a huge range of South Asian street food -- samosas, biryanis, tandoori grills, chaat, freshly made naan, and plenty of sweet treats. There are usually dozens of food vendors covering cuisines from across India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, alongside Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and other international options. Vegetarian and vegan choices are plentiful.
Music and Dance
The main stage hosts a packed programme of live music spanning Bhangra, Bollywood, Punjabi folk, Qawwali, and contemporary Asian pop. Previous years have featured artists including Juggy D, Rafaqat Ali Khan, Sona Walia, and Lehmber Hussainpuri. Expect high-energy dance troupes, dhol drummers, and Bollywood-style performances throughout both days.
Arts, Crafts, and Workshops
Henna artists are always popular, and there are usually workshops in traditional crafts, Rangoli design, and South Asian art forms. Stalls sell jewellery, clothing, textiles, and handmade crafts. It is a brilliant place to browse even if you are not planning to buy.
Children's Activities
The Mela is very much a family event. There is typically a dedicated children's area with face painting, circus skills, storytelling, and craft activities. Younger children tend to love the colour and spectacle of the performances and the drumming workshops.
Is It Free?
Yes. The Newcastle Mela is completely free to attend. No tickets are needed -- just turn up. You will only spend money on food and anything you choose to buy from the market stalls.
Getting There from Gosforth
Exhibition Park is easily reached from Gosforth without a car.
On foot: From South Gosforth, it is roughly a 20-minute walk south along the Great North Road.
By Metro: South Gosforth and Regent Centre are the nearest Tyne and Wear Metro stations. From South Gosforth, walk south along the B1318 towards the city centre. Alternatively, Haymarket Metro station is a five-minute walk from the park's southern entrance.
By bus: Several buses run along the Great North Road past Exhibition Park, including the 33 and 35 from Gosforth High Street.
By car: There is limited parking around Exhibition Park on event days. The park and ride or Metro are strongly recommended.
A Brief History
Newcastle Mela was first held in 1994 as a one-day community event celebrating the city's South Asian heritage. Over the decades it has grown into a major fixture on the North East's cultural calendar, expanding to two days and regularly attracting tens of thousands of visitors. In 2024, the Mela celebrated its 30th anniversary -- a milestone that underlines just how deeply embedded it has become in Newcastle's cultural life.
The event is supported by Newcastle City Council and Arts Council England, and is delivered by NAAM, the charity behind much of the city's South Asian arts programming.
Worth Knowing
- Bring a blanket or camping chair -- there is plenty of open grass to sit on, but it fills up during headline acts.
- Cash and card -- most food stalls now accept card payments, but carrying some cash is still a good idea.
- Sun cream -- if the weather is kind, there is very little shade in the main arena areas.
- Dogs -- the Mela is a busy, noisy event. Check the organisers' website closer to the date for their policy on dogs.
For the full programme and latest updates, visit newcastlemela.co.uk.
Have you been to the Mela? Get in touch with your tips.