Maidstone Community Mela

About

The Maidstone Community Mela now in its 22nd year, is much beloved community event that brings together the local, diverse communities of the borough to celebrate through music, dance and food. Initially founded in 2003 after the turbulent times following the attack on 9/11, the Mela was a way to bring disparate pockets of society together to celebrate everything that binds us together rather than what divides us. Year after year, the Mela has grown in strength and this year's Mela is no exception. 

Stage Programme (Subject to change)

12pm – Rajasthan Heritage Band

RHB will be opening the Mela with an amazing performance off stage. Hailing from India’s ‘Red City’ also known as Rajasthan, RHB will be bringing the vibrant sound of Indian brass band music!

12.30pm – Maidstone Indian Association

A Mela wouldn’t be complete without some sensational Bollywood and Classical Indian dance performances and this year is brought to you by the Maidstone Indian Association! Come out and support a local community group as they show us their best moves!

12.50pm – Akshmitha Dance Academy

Gracing the Mela for the first time, the Academy’s students will be performing a mix of Indian classical and modern dance, so come down and support them as they prepare to set the stage alight!

1.05pm – Kerala Cultural Association

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Kerala through a wonderful dance and musical performance by the Southwestern Indian group.

1.30pm – Yohanna Soney

Ever heard smash hit pop anthems on a violin? Well it’s as awesome as it sounds! Join Mela first timer and stellar instrumentalist Yohanna Soney as he wows you with his renditions of his favourite chart hits including one of the Caravan performers!

1.55pm – Maidstone Malayalee Association

The Mela takes a trip down to Southern India as the many traditional moves and sounds of the Malayalam culture come to the Mela for all to marvel at.

2.20pm – Maidstone Nepalese Community Group

Experience traditional dance moves inspired by Nepalese culture and performed by members from the local community.

2.50pm – Rajasthan Heritage Band

Join RHB as they perform their second set live from centre stage!

3.10pm – Bhangra Fusion

Prepare for an explosion of sound and colour featuring the spectacular Four by Four Bhangra and the Kings of Dhol, Kent based artists who have toured the world! This amazing collaboration will bring elements of traditional and modern bhangra together.

4.05pm – PBN featuring Rose Bahar

Bhangra Superstar PBN will be performing his smash hits, bringing the pop sounds of North India to the stage with newcomer and vocalist Rose Bahar! Don’t miss your chance to witness this incredible duo live!

5pm – Soulivs of Motown

Join us as we close the Mela in true style as the unforgettable trio perform Motown classic hits. So, sway, croon, and dance away as the celebrated group bring the house down!

6pm – Finish