South Shields Mela 2023

On Sunday 20th August Radio Shields broadcast LIVE from Ocean Road Mela working in partnership with CREST (Compact for Race Equality in South Tyneside) The Customs House, CAST (Citizens‘ Assembly South Tyneside) and South Tyneside Council. Radio Shields was based at Sea Change Cafe and we would like to thank them for hosting us and looking after the team with refreshments!

What is a Mela?

A Mela is a festival for everyone that celebrates food, music and different cultures. On Sunday 21st August 2022 we organised a festival on Ocean Road that celebrated 50 years of Bangladeshi Independence in South Tyneside. It was a very very successful family event, with over 2,000 people enjoying food, music, live performances, parades, workshops, games and entertainment.

This year’s event was called the Ocean Road Mela and celebrated all cultures, The event was for everyone to enjoy. We want to build on the success of last year and for the Mela to be a large annual grass-roots festival that in the future is led by all communities in South Shields.

We’ve complied photographs taken on the day for all to view. You can also listen to interviews with Ray Spencer MBE (Managing Director of The Customs House) and Emma Lowell Buck (MP, for South Sields)

Radio Shields Mela 2023 Gallery!