This year’s Maidstone Mela is set to be the biggest yet with a weekend of festivities planned for all the family.

The Mela, which means gathering, has attracted more than 35,000 people since it began in 2003 and this year is expected to be no different as it expands for the first time into a two-day event.

On Saturday, September 12 at Mote Park from 6pm to 9pm crowds will be treated to stage performances from Bhangra singer Jassi Sidhu and Queen Tribute act Mercury. There will...

The Maidstone Mela aims to celebrate the diverse cultures within the Borough through music, dance and food and has been organised in partnership by Maidstone Borough Council, Cohesion Plus and North West Kent Racial Equality Council.

This year for the first time the Mela will take place over 2 days. On Saturday 12 September Bhangra Superstar Jassi Sidhu and Mercury Queen Tribute Band will perform on the stage between 6pm -9pm, plus there will be an amazing light installation by Emergency...

In preparation for the Mela, to be held over two days in September, the young pupils will be parading through Maidstone town centre to celebrate the start of the Mela. This year Maidstone Mela, which celebrates diversity through music, food and dance, promises to bigger and better than ever before.

Cabinet Member for Community Services, Cllr Marion Ring, said: “The Mela is an important part of Maidstone’s culture. This year’s parade will see scores of children showcasing their art...

Thousands attended the Tunbridge Wells Mela in Calverley Grounds on Sunday July 19. Organised by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Cohesion Plus and North West Kent Racial Equality Council, with the support of a Mela Project Steering Group, the aim of the event was to bring the communities of Tunbridge Wells together through music, food and dance. The event was part funded by Arts Council England.

During the first part of the day, visitors were treated to a range of acts, including a combination...

The Tunbridge Wells Mela is a free community event which celebrates the diversity of the borough through music, food and dance. The Mela will be taking place on July 19 at the Calverley Grounds between 12pm and 6pm. Highlights on stage include Bhangra Stars B21, a Dhaki-Dhol Collaboration performed by Four by Four and Mahua Arts, Deshi Movement a contemporary urban collective and Casabella Latin Fusion.