Preparations are nearly complete for the Maidstone Community Mela which will be returning on Sunday 14th July at Whatman Park between 12.30pm and 6pm. The Mela is produced by Cohesion Plus working in partnership with Kent Equality Cohesion Council and the Maidstone Cultural Group. The Community Mela is a great celebration of culturally diverse art and showcases a range of Kent based artists.

The stage programme features folk band Ukelear Fallout, rapper Bando Black, Phase 5 Steel Band and the Chinese Dancing Lions. A number of Maidstone based acts will also be performing including the Maidstone Nepalese Community Group, the Maidstone Malayalee Group and Kitka Bulgarian Folk Dance.

A particular highlight will be the Cohesion Plus produced Folkin Fusion Afro-Bhangra performance which brings together music and dance from North India and Southern Africa to create a unique show featuring the ever popular Four by Four Bhangra, Bill Singh and Lucky Moyo. The Community Mela will be headlined by the renowned Kings of Motown who will be performing Motown classics along with their signature dance moves.

Off stage there will be a wealth of activity including the World in a Tent featuring Nepalese and Roma culture and heritage, free creative arts workshops, food from around the world as well as for the first time a prosecco and beer bar.

Gurvinder Sandher the Artistic Director of Cohesion Plus commented: “I am really proud of the artistic programme we have on offer this year both on and off stage. The Maidstone Community Mela is very close to my heart as this was the first event that Cohesion Plus produced and despite the challenges of recent years we have managed working with local community groups to keep the Mela alive. I’ve always said that the arts is a great way to bring diverse communities together and the Maidstone Community Mela is an excellent example of this.”