Belfast Mela Multicultural Festival 2026

What to Expect

Belfast Mela is Northern Ireland’s largest celebration of cultural diversity, now in its 20th year. The 2026 edition runs from 23 to 30 August with a multi-day programme of music, dance, food, art, theatre, wellbeing, and family events across Belfast. On Sunday 23 August, a free spectacular called Earth Child takes place at the Titanic Slipways, with performers suspended 35 metres above the skyline from two towering cranes. The main Mela Day on Sunday 30 August runs from 12 noon to 6pm at Botanic Gardens, featuring live world music, dance performances, food stalls, market traders, and a family zone.

The festival programme expands in 2026 with VR cultural tours, a carnival parade through the city centre finishing in Cathedral Quarter, and additional events across the nine-day run.

Good to Know

• Dates: Sunday 23 August to Sunday 30 August 2026 (nine days)

• Earth Child at Titanic Slipways (23 Aug): free, but advance ticket booking required

• Mela Day at Botanic Gardens (30 Aug, 12 noon to 6pm): GBP 12 adults, GBP 9 concession, GBP 24 family; children 0-4 free

• Mela Carnival parade: free, no tickets required

• Book tickets and full programme at belfastmela.org.uk

Getting There

Botanic Gardens is on Stranmillis Road in south Belfast, a short walk from Belfast Botanic rail station and bus stops on University Road. The Titanic Slipways are on Queens Road near the Titanic Belfast museum, accessible by bus from the city centre.