Dorset Mela Festival returns to Poole Park for one of Dorset’s largest multicultural celebrations. The free festival brought communities together for a full day of South Asian music, dance, food, arts and entertainment, with live performances, cultural showcases, international food stalls, handicrafts, henna and family activities. Designed as an inclusive celebration for all backgrounds and ages, Dorset Mela offered visitors the chance to experience different traditions, flavours and performances in the heart of Poole.
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June 2027
10:00 - 19:00
Dorset Mela Festival is expected to return in June, bringing another celebration of South Asian culture, music, food and community to Dorset.
Inspired by the South Asian tradition of a mela, meaning a fair or community gathering, the festival celebrates diversity and cultural heritage through a lively programme of entertainment and activities.
The event aims to bring together people from different communities across Dorset, encouraging visitors to discover and appreciate different customs, traditions and experiences.
Previous editions have combined live music, traditional dance, cultural performances, international food stalls, shopping and family entertainment, creating a welcoming atmosphere for people of all backgrounds.
The festival has previously taken place in Poole Park, providing an open-air setting for a full day of cultural celebrations.
Based on previous festivals, visitors can look forward to a colourful celebration of culture, entertainment and international cuisine.
Live music and dance are central to the Dorset Mela experience, helping showcase the diversity and traditions of South Asian culture.
Previous festivals have featured a mixture of traditional and contemporary performances, bringing together different musical styles and cultural influences.
The organisers' programme has included:
Traditional South Asian music
Classical and folk performances
Bollywood-inspired entertainment
Rock and pop music
Cultural dance performances
Community showcases and live entertainment
The festival provides an opportunity for performers to share their heritage while introducing visitors to different styles of music and dance.
Food is another major highlight of Dorset Mela, offering visitors the chance to sample dishes inspired by different cultures.
Previous festivals have featured food stalls serving South Asian cuisine, British favourites and other international dishes, creating a varied multicultural dining experience.
Visitors can explore different flavours, discover traditional recipes and enjoy freshly prepared food while watching the performances.
The combination of food and entertainment makes Dorset Mela an appealing event for anyone interested in experiencing different cultures.
Alongside the live entertainment and food, Dorset Mela traditionally features a selection of shopping stalls, handicrafts and cultural products.
Visitors have previously been able to browse:
Handmade crafts and gifts
Traditional clothing and accessories
Jewellery and beauty products
Cultural goods and artisan products
Henna painting
Community and information stalls
The market offers an opportunity to meet independent traders and discover products influenced by different traditions.
Dorset Mela is designed as a welcoming celebration for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Previous festivals have included children's activities, family entertainment and cultural performances that visitors can enjoy together.
The open setting of Poole Park has also provided space for families to explore the different stalls, sample food and enjoy the festival atmosphere.
Whether you're attending with children, meeting friends or looking for something different to do at the weekend, Dorset Mela offers an opportunity to experience music, food and traditions from different communities.
One of the main aims of Dorset Mela is to bring people from different backgrounds together through shared cultural experiences.
Rather than focusing on a single community, the festival celebrates the diversity of Dorset and provides opportunities for visitors to learn about traditions they may not have experienced before.
Through music, dance, food, art and community participation, Dorset Mela encourages cultural understanding and celebrates the different communities that contribute to life in the county.
The festival is organised by Dorset Mela CIC, a community interest company.
Admission details for Dorset Mela Festival 2027 have not yet been confirmed.
The 2026 festival was completely free to attend, with no general admission ticket required.
Visitors were able to arrive throughout the day and enjoy the performances, entertainment and cultural displays.
Food, shopping and certain individual activities could involve additional charges.
If similar arrangements continue in 2027, the festival will offer another accessible opportunity for families and visitors to experience a multicultural celebration in Dorset.
We'll update this guide as further details are confirmed.
Visit Dorset Mela Festival's official website for the latest news and announcements.
Poole Park is accessible on foot, by bicycle, public transport and car.
Visitors travelling by train can walk from Poole railway station, while local bus services connect the town with surrounding areas.
Parking is available in and around Poole Park, although spaces can become limited during large events.
Visitors attending a future Dorset Mela Festival at Poole Park may wish to consider public transport or one of the larger town-centre car parks.
Based on previous events, visitors can expect:
A celebration of South Asian culture and Dorset's multicultural community
Live music and traditional dance performances
Bollywood-inspired entertainment and cultural showcases
International and multicultural food stalls
Handmade crafts, jewellery and shopping stalls
Traditional henna painting
Family-friendly entertainment and children's activities
Community stalls and cultural displays
Opportunities to discover different traditions and cuisines
Free admission at previous festivals, with 2027 arrangements to be confirmed
Previous outdoor setting in Poole Park
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