Middlesbrough Mela will return to Albert Park this year and the date is confirmed for August 17 and 18.
Now in its 34th year, Mela is one of the region’s most popular and longest standing events with more than 50,000 people expected to make the trip to the event this year.
Fairground rides, street food, a fashion bazaar, interactive games and children’s activities and a whole host of live entertainment is planned for the event which is free to attend.
The multi award-winning event is recognised nationally and the organisers are looking to hear from talented local people who want to be part of the team who put the magic into Mela.
They’re on the look-out for local influencers or those with social media, marketing, graphic design, photo and videography skills who can help take the event to the next level and showcase Mela to a wider national audience.
Acts for this year’s Mela are yet to be announced but plans are already in place to ensure every community in Middlesbrough can get involved in the event.
Tees Dance are aiming to bring people of all backgrounds together by exploring what ‘home’ means to the people of Middlesbrough.
A number of workshops will take place across the libraries and community hubs offering the chance for people to create colourful crochet flowers as part of the ‘Big Mela Knit’.
The team are also wanting to hear from people living across Middlesbrough on what the idea of ‘home’ means to them, as well as songs that people like to play at home or songs that remind people of Middlesbrough.
The ideas will be turned into a huge collective dance piece and music mash-up which will be coordinated by Tees Dance and performed live at Mela with the chance for the whole crowd to join in.
Cllr Philippa Storey, Middlesbrough Deputy Mayor and Executive member for Culture, said: “The Middlesbrough Mela is one of the best events of its kind anywhere in the UK.
“Visitors can look forward to the usual mix of brilliant acts, entertainment and activities, not to mention fantastic food.
“The Mela continues to go from strength to strength, and everyone is invited to join in this celebration of everything that’s great about Middlesbrough. Thank you to the Mela CIC committee for all their work on making this happen.”
Anyone who would like to join the Middlesbrough Mela team should email info@middlesbroughmela.co.uk with a covering letter stating their experience.
To book a stall or advertise at this year’s event, email the above address to request a booking form.
The event is free for all to attend and tickets are not required.
For more information and to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements visit the website or follow the Facebook page.