Palmyra Square, in the heart of Warrington’s Cultural Quarter, is in its 12th year of hosting Warrington’s Mela Festival. Intergenerational audiences from Warrington’s communities come together to feast and celebrate their unique heritage in a vibrant union of diversity. Although Melas are traditionally a South Asian celebration, Warrington’s Ethnic Communities Association (WECA) have an ambition to break away from this format and celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of Warrington.

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Warrington Borough Council, working in partnership with WECA, have been awarded a National Lottery Project Grant from Arts Council England of £22,376 towards the cost of this year’s event. Funding has also been awarded from the council’s Community Investment Fund (CIF), Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and from the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire. Warrington Business Improvement District (BID) will be providing marketing support.

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The funding will enable this year’s Mela to be Warrington’s most ambitious and inclusive yet, with some of the very best of UK’s street theatre, puppetry and dance running alongside the community stage, a showcase for local talent celebrating Warrington’s multi-cultural communities. Although Palmyra Square will still host a variety of family-friendly activities and a food and drink offer, this year we are delighted to be presenting lively performances and an artisanal market in Time Square.