Mosh Pits at Mela: Where Chai, Dialogue, and Families Meet!
Mosh pits sound like a wild storm of energy, but at Mela, they’re a space for connection—and a family affair.

Picture this: three generations, from toddlers to grandparents, all nestled together in a mosh pit, seated on chairs, sipping chai and sharing stories. Here everyone, has a front-row seat to the rhythm of Mela.

This summer 2024, the Mela Partnership Roadshow visited seven UK cities and towns —Luton, Warrington, Manchester, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Aldershot, and Southampton—opening a national dialogue about the future of Mela festivals.

As a national partnership, we carefully considered all options for engagement, settling on a direct approach that reached communities where they live, celebrate and work.. The roadshow provided a dynamic space for reflection, asking how it feels to be at that mid-decade moment, looking back and forward to 2025 and beyond.

Chinedu from Manchester , “You’re coming to us, where we live and work. It makes us feel like we matter.”

The roadshow was more than just a conversation with arts professionals; it brought together artists, community members, politicians, stakeholders, traders, and audiences—around 350 voices in total.

Olga  from Luton added, “You’re asking us what we want and need. This creates ownership”

This approach works for Nutkhut, because it opens up a more inclusive, grassroots dialogue, engaging a broad range of people in shaping the future of Outdoor Arts. We will extend this way of working further in 2025, ensuring that all voices continue to be heard in a truly meaningful way.

Images:

Middlesbrough Mela post riots

Rachel Hopkins MP. Luton South,

The fantastic Desi Fest Team, Luton

A fab Tandoor in action