What's On

Glasgow Sitare is a South Asian women's community singing group that fosters cultural expression and connection through collective voice. Blending Bollywood favourites and traditional melodies, the group provides a joyful, safe space for women to explore identity and build community through music.

Dance Ihayami brings a captivating presence to Glasgow Mela, celebrating Indian classical dance in a global context. Trained in Bharatanatyam under artistic director Priya Shrikumar, the ensemble is renowned for expressive storytelling, rhythmic precision, and striking energy.

Drawing inspiration from both Indian and Scottish roots, they present Alba Rasa—an enthralling performance bridging traditional and contemporary forms. Choreographed by Shrikumar to reflect her dual heritage, this vibrant piece weaves intricate classical footwork with the soulful melodies of bagpipes and lively traditional Scottish reels. Honoring tradition while embracing innovation, Dance Ihayami offers a powerful, universal celebration of movement and music.

Singer-songwriter performing soulful contemporary South Asian influenced music.

Performing contemporary favourites and powerful pop vocals inspired by artists such as Adele.

Classically trained vocalist showcasing Indian musical traditions.

A collaboration between Roma and South Asian musicians, highlighting shared roots and musical connections between both cultures.

A new collaboration exploring Scottish and South Asian identity. “Eadarinn” means “between us”, reflecting shared culture and belonging.

A rising local artist making waves in the indie scene, representing the next generation.

Global sensations and family band MASTI are a multi-award-winning group blending youth and experience. The band is an evolution of the old-school Bhangra group "Nayi Roshni," now fronted by son Aamir.

MASTI has carved out a unique niche by transforming popular English songs into high-energy Bhangra and Bollywood anthems. The lineup features Aamir on English vocals and keyboards, his father Amjad on Hindi/Punjabi vocals, and Uncle Surinder on dhol and dholak. Performing live or to custom backing tracks, they deliver a dynamic fusion experience that appeals to diverse audiences worldwide.

GTown Desi is a Glasgow-based DJ and producer collective fusing Eastern and Western music with explosive energy. Known for their club sets and festival appearances, they blend Bhangra, hip-hop, and electronic music for a high-octane experience. 

Formed in Birmingham in 1983 by K. S. Bhamrah and Sardara Gill, Apna Sangeet is one of the most influential bands in UK Bhangra history. Dubbed "The People’s Band," they blended traditional Punjabi folk with contemporary sounds, producing ten studio albums between 1986 and 1996.

Their catalogue features legendary anthems like "Soho Road Ute" and "Apna Sangeet Sings Apna Sangeet"—voted the number one Bhangra song on BBC Asian Network. Touring globally, they evolved into Apna Group in 1996. Over 40 years later, their music remains a staple of worldwide Bhangra.

Backed by the Live Experience Band, Nachhatar Gill will headline the Navras stage at Mela 2026. Nachhatar is a Punjabi musician and singer-songwriter who has been entertaining audiences for 25 years. His most famous songs include Hasdi Ne Dil Mangia, Taareyan Di Loe & Gussa Na Karin among many others. He has also spent time recording popular religious albums and provided playback for Punjabi movies – giving him the title of ‘vocal powerhouse’.

Students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland performing Indian classical music on Western instruments.

A vibrant brass band blending Bollywood and street sounds, also roaming the park.

A local crossover band mixing Indian classical with contemporary styles.

WDF bridges British and Rajasthani folk traditions into a celebratory, upbeat performance, uniquely enhanced by slow, meditative Indian classical introductions and a Celtic twist.

The project features two highly experienced musicians: Vini Dewara, a singer, performer, and founder of the Krishna Music School based in Pushkar, Rajasthan, who brings over 30 years of expertise in Indian Classical, Rajasthani folk, and Sufi styles; and Ed White, a violinist and teacher with 25 years of experience, whose background spans European orchestral touring as a child to a passion for improvising jazz and Indian classical music.

Kirin is a visually impaired disability consultant, playwright, and founder of Visually Impaired Creators Scotland who creates access-centered art. A prominent cultural leader, she has written two successful Edinburgh Fringe shows and consults for major UK arts organizations.

Her performance offers a powerful window into her intersectional world as an Asian, visually impaired woman living in 21st-century Scotland. Through a blend of short poetry, a tender letter to her late mother, and a deeply personal talk, Kirin shares humorous insights and conviction, proving that what you see is not always what you get.

Classical Odissi dance with a contemporary twist.

An award-winning poet presenting spoken word.

A traditional South Indian performance art combining storytelling, rhythm, dance and theatre.

A contemporary South Asian artist connecting with younger audiences.

An internationally respected sarangi maestro presenting Indian classical music.

Pooja Angra and Karan Rana are highly accomplished Indian vocalists who combine classical training with popular appeal. Pooja holds a PhD in Indian Music, has performed on prestigious platforms like the BBC and All India Radio, and is an Arts Council England-supported educator. Karan, a prodigy since age five, is an award-winning artist recognized at the Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan and is currently based in Edinburgh.

Together, their performance delivers a vibrant musical journey blending classic and contemporary Bollywood hits with powerful, high-energy Sufi music, creating an engaging, nostalgic, and uplifting experience for diverse audiences.