Family festival with 'giant puppets' returns with a 'first'

Warrington Mela returns on Sunday, September 15
-Credit: (Image: We are Pink)


A multicultural festival is set to return to just outside of Liverpool this weekend. Warrington Mela will bring a “spectacular blend” of street theatre, dance, music, food and global cultures to the heart of the industrial town.

Now in its 12th year, the event will feature some of the UK’s “finest” street theatre and dance, including performances by the Sonia Sabri Dance Company and the “spectacular” giant puppetry of Inspirate. This year’s festival promises to be more “ambitious and inclusive” than ever before as it spotlights talent from South Asia, Nigeria, Hong Kong and Ukraine on the community stage.

Councillor Mo Hussain, deputy Mayor of Warrington, said: “We are very grateful to Arts Council England for their support, which helps us continue the important work of bringing Warrington Mela to our community.

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"This recognition of the festival as a quality arts event is something we take pride in, as it plays a key role in celebrating the different cultures within our town. We look forward to seeing its positive impact again this year.”

Artists and community members have created and will showcase their unique artworks and performances on Sunday, September 15. Councillor Tony Higgins, cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, said: “This year’s Mela promises to be an inclusive feast of family fun, in a welcoming and accessible environment. Warrington Mela is a true celebration of the connections that make our community so special. As well as a brilliant event for our town to host, this festival will be an opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together and share their experiences.”

There will be performances from Sonia Sabri Dance Company
There will be performances from Sonia Sabri Dance Company -Credit:We are Pink

For the first time, Warrington Mela will connect Palmyra Square to Time Square, symbolising this year’s theme of ‘connections’ by uniting people through culture, food and a varied arts programme. Visitors of all ages can participate in interactive dance workshops and explore an artisan market offering global food and other goods.