Our story

Step back in time with us to the origins of Worcester Mela, where a simple vision ignited a spark that would grow into a blaze of celebration. Born from the dreams of a few and fueled by the collective spirit of many, Worcester Mela emerged as a beacon of inclusivity and cultural exchange. What began as a modest gathering has blossomed into a grand tapestry of tradition, where the echoes of the past mingle with the rhythms of the present.

Together, we stand at the crossroads of past and present, united by a shared vision of unity and celebration. Worcester Mela isn’t just a festival; it’s a testament to the power of community, a living testament to the values of inclusion, diversity, and togetherness that define us as a people. Join us as we continue to write the next chapter in our story, one filled with laughter, learning, and love.

It is a powerful force to breakdown barriers and strengthen communities while creating a springboard for further exploration.

We hope it will encourage you all to explore further what the south asian community and its rich heritage have to offer.

Worcester Mela Partnership secured funding from Severn Arts through the Arches Festival Project and The Arts Council to deliver arts based projects within the city. The Cultural Development Fund supports The Community Festivals Development Programme, which is part of The Arches Festivals Project.

Worcester Mela has changed and developed and what once has been a small festival gathering has now grown to be a project of many events and experiences.

Worcester Voices was a project aimed at capturing the story of the first Asian Settlers that came to the City of Worcester. It is a powerful documentary on the challenges and struggles they faced when arriving in the City, the struggles they overcame, then settled, Integrated and contributed a great deal to this beautiful city of ours.

The Melting Pot on the other hand is a project, co-created by Worcester’s local community, Worcester Mela and a professional artistic team, that aims to celebrate the city’s industrial history, with a specific lens highlighting the stories of South Asian and migrant settlers.