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Mela draws thousands to Asian culture celebrations

News imageArt Asia A woman dances on stage in front of a colourful backdrop. Art Asia
Dancers took to the stage as part of Southampton Mela Festival's entertainment line-up

Thousands of people came together in a city park for a colourful celebration of South Asian culture.

The Southampton Mela Festival returned to Hoglands Park on Saturday and Sunday, boasing live music, dance, food and family activities.

Two stages and outdoor performance spaces hosted world-class artists alongside arts, craft and dance workshops.

The event, organized by the charitable trust Art Asia, has been taking place in the city for more than 20 years.

News imageArt Asia Two men perform on stage in front of a colourful backdrop. They are both sat on the ground playing instruments. The man on the left is playing the tabla drums while the other is playing the santoor.Art Asia
Musicians performed to crowds across the festival's two stages
News imageArt Asia A woman applies a henna tattoo to another woman's hand. Art Asia
Traditional arts and crafts were on show across the weekend
News imageArt Asia Crowds of people gather around food stalls on a field in a music festival. In the foreground, a man and a woman are eating out of takeaway boxes. Art Asia
Visitors sampled dishes from the festival's world food stalls
News imageArt Asia A group of performers in white T-shirts and yellow belts perform kicks in front of a crowd. Art Asia
World-class performers brought colour and energy to the two-day event
News imageArt Asia Two women in traditional South Asian clothing dance on stage. Art Asia
Traditional dance was among the highlights of the festival programme
News imageArt Asia Women in traditional South Asian clothing dance outside at a festival. Art Asia
The Southampton Mela Festival has been held in the city for more than 20 years
News imageArt Asia A large group of women wearing black dresses are stood together on a stage during a performance.Art Asia
The festival drew visitors from across the south coast
News imageArt Asia A group of people are stood in a gazebo holding their arms outstretched either side of them.Art Asia
The event forms part of Art Asia's wider work promoting South Asian arts and culture
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