Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival Going 19 Years Strong

Despite the classic unpredictability of the British summer, the 19th annual Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival which took place on Sunday 20th July was a resounding success.

Produced by Cohesion Plus in partnership with the Kent Equality Cohesion Council, and supported by Arts Council England, the free, family-friendly celebration once again proved to be a vibrant showcase of music, culture, and community spirit.

Festivalgoers enjoyed a packed programme of performances from midday to evening, beginning with the sunny rhythms of steel pan band Phase 5, who brought Caribbean flair to the Kent countryside. Rising vocal sensation Ella Akyurek followed with soulful covers of Adele and Amy Winehouse classics, leaving the audience captivated.

For the first time, the crowd welcomed Abbro, who ignited the stage with a high-energy, interactive dance show blending Bollywood, Tamil, and Malayalam styles. The cultural journey continued with a stunning performance by Sahrudaya The West Kent Keralites a local community group celebrating the dynamic music and dance traditions of Kerala.

One of the day’s highlights came from the powerhouse collaboration between Kings of Dhol and Four by Four Bhangra, delivering a thrilling fusion of beats and choreography. The excitement soared further with a headline set by Bhangra pop star H Dhami, whose infectious hits had the crowd on their feet.

The celebration of global sounds carried on with the Motown Kings, a top-tier tribute act reviving soul classics with style and swagger. And closing the festival in spectacular fashion was DJ Amit, spinning a mix of international beats that turned the park into an open-air dancefloor.

The High Sheriff of Kent Jonathon Neame, Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Lord Evans and Mayor of Tunbridge Wells Cllr David Osborne were also in attendance and joined in with the festivities.

Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, Artistic Director of Cohesion Plus and producer of the Mela, commented:

“It’s always such an honour and pleasure to come back to Tunbridge Wells and deliver this beloved event. A huge thank you goes out to the ever-loyal festival attendees who show up rain or shine. We’re incredibly proud of this year’s artistic programme – a feast of culture, music and dance that truly brought people together. None of this would be possible without the support of local residents and businesses who continue to embrace the Mela as a celebration of community and the power of the arts to unite us all.”

As it nears its 20th anniversary, the Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival remains a cornerstone of West Kent’s cultural calendar, proudly promoting inclusion, diversity, and shared celebration through the arts.