Newcastle Building Society is continuing its support for local communities by returning as principal sponsor of Newcastle Mela, one of the North East’s biggest and most vibrant multicultural festivals.
The Society is backing the event for the third year in a row, as thousands of people get ready for an August Bank Holiday weekend filled with music, dance, food and family entertainment.
Organised by Newcastle Asian Arts and Music, this year’s Newcastle Mela begins with a city centre celebration on Saturday, August 29, before moving to Exhibition Park on Sunday and Monday, where up to 40,000 visitors from across the North East and beyond are expected to attend.
The free festival celebrates the rich traditions of Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi and other South Asian cultures through a vibrant programme of live performances, authentic cuisine, arts, crafts, fashion, family activities and community engagement.
As a purpose-driven, place-based organisation, Newcastle Building Society has made inclusion a strategic priority and is committed to creating a “Place to Be You” where colleagues, members and the communities it serves feel they belong and are supported to thrive.
Visitors to the Society’s stand throughout the weekend will be able to meet colleagues, experience traditional South Asian games, and learn more about the Society’s work across the region. Representatives from the North East Anti Racism Coalition’s “Become the Bridge” campaign will also be joining the Society’s stand to speak about their work to challenge racism and help build a stronger, fairer North East.
Jennie Pitt, Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Colleague Experience at Newcastle Building Society, said:
“We’re absolutely committed to being a purpose-driven, place-based organisation, with communities at the heart of everything we do.
“We’re proud to be sponsoring the Newcastle Mela for the third consecutive year because it provides such a fantastic opportunity to bring diverse communities together, build understanding and celebrate the richness of South Asian culture.
“We’ve made inclusion a strategic priority across our organisation, and events like the Mela help create meaningful connections between people from all backgrounds.”
The Society’s continued support reflects its wider investment in communities across the North East, helping create opportunities for people to come together, celebrate diversity and build lasting connections.
Taj Mohammed, Chairperson and Event Director of Newcastle Asian Arts and Music, said the festival has grown steadily over more than three decades into one of the region’s most anticipated annual events.
“It’s a wonderful event for families, children and older people alike. It’s a safe, welcoming environment where everyone can come together, enjoy themselves and celebrate different cultures.
“People will experience outstanding live music from artists travelling from across the UK and overseas, incredible food from Newcastle, London, Manchester, Edinburgh and beyond, colourful fashion and jewellery stalls, children’s attractions and so much more.
“The Newcastle Mela is completely free because we want everyone to enjoy it, regardless of their background. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what culture you belong to as everyone is welcome. That’s what makes the Mela so special.
“We’re delighted that Newcastle Building Society has chosen to support us once again. Their continued sponsorship helps us keep the event free and accessible while strengthening the message that our communities are stronger when we celebrate our diversity together.”
The Newcastle Mela takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend and is free to attend. Full entertainment programmes and event information will be announced in the coming weeks.
