Diwali Mela Returns to Southampton with Record-Breaking Attendance Expected
This year, the highly anticipated Diwali Mela festival will return to Southampton, set to attract over 1,000 visitors. Taking place at Bitterne Park School on Saturday, October 19th, the event promises an action-packed day of cultural delights, entertainment, and community spirit. Organized by Rajan Jolly and his wife Meenakshi, founders of the Eastleigh and Southampton Asian Community (ESAC), the festival is designed to celebrate the Hindu festival of lights and promote unity among the city's diverse communities.
Key Takeaways:
- The Diwali Mela festival will take place at Bitterne Park School on Saturday, October 19th, from 11am to 6pm.
- The event is free to enter and expects to attract over 1,000 visitors.
- 150 volunteers will help make the event happen, and all proceeds will go towards supporting Foodbank Angels of Southampton.
- The festival will feature a range of activities, including Bollywood dancing, live performances, food stalls, face painting, crafts, and a fashion show.
- Leader of Southampton City Council, Lorna Fielker, and lord mayor of Southampton, Cllr Dave Shields, will be in attendance at the event.
- The Diwali Mela is a significant cultural event for the Asian community in Southampton, with last year's launch seeing hundreds of people in attendance.
- This year's festival aims to promote unity among the city's diverse communities and provide an opportunity for people from all backgrounds to come together and celebrate.
Statistics:
- The Diwali Mela festival expects to attract over 1,000 visitors this year.
- 150 volunteers will help make the event happen.
- 100% of the proceeds from the festival will go towards supporting Foodbank Angels of Southampton.
- Last year saw the launch of the Diwali Mela, which attracted hundreds of visitors throughout the day.
Sources:
- [Matt Davey's article in the Southern Daily Echo]
- [Rajan Jolly, founder of Eastleigh and Southampton Asian Community (ESAC)]