Unity Mela (Sunderland)
Unity Mela, City of Sunderland is now in it’s 5th year. The idea was developed when organisers from the Unity Multicultural Centre identified a number of gaps compared to other major cities such as Newcastle, Bradford and many more.
Dedicated volunteers at Unity set about research into the need and possibility of hosting the City's very own Mela.
With very little budget the first Mela was held in 2001 at Richard Avenue School. It was very small with a majority of various community groups and individuals delivering the artistic program. There was barely enough money to pay for infrastructure and a PA system, with the rest left over to pay for one professional group to perform traditional Indian dancing.
An estimated 2,000 visitors, mostly from Sunderland, attended the event.
The pilot event was so successful that today the event is now hosted on Seaburn Beach and attracts an estimated 15,000 visitors. Needless to say as the event has grown and developed so have the pressures and stress! There is so much to consider when planning an event like this but the meaning, value and awareness of cultures and traditions between diverse communities is a strength to the City and an opportunity for visitors to enjoy and engage with one another in a multicultural art and sport experience .
Information © Unity Organisation