Bradford is set to come alive this weekend with the return of a much-loved tradition, as the first ever Bradford Food and Lifestyle Mela brings a vibrant celebration of South Asian culture to the city’s award-winning Lister Park.

Taking place over two days on 19 and 20 July, this outdoor extravaganza promises to be a feast for the senses, offering a nostalgic nod to the South Asian Melas that lit up the UK in the 1980s and 1990s.

With a focus on family, food, fashion and music, the event will feature everything from live performances to cookery masterclasses and a show-stopping outdoor fashion show finale.

Bradford made history in 1988 by becoming the first British city to host a traditional South Asian Mela, attracting huge crowds to a field near the university. The mela continued for many years, becoming a cherished annual event drawing up to 100,000 visitors. However, the last of Bradford’s original Melas took place in 2012, until now.

Organised by the team behind the Bradford Curry Mela, in partnership with Lala’s Restaurant, this new event aims to bring back the magic of the mela for a new generation.

Junior Rashid of Lala’s Restaurant said: “We know there’s a real desire in the community for the Mela to return. It’s more than just an event, it’s a celebration of culture, diversity and heritage. We hope this will bring back fond memories while creating new ones, with something for everyone to enjoy.”

The Bradford Food and Lifestyle Mela will include: A live music stage featuring performances from Apache Indian, rising girl group Girls Like You, fusion favourites Silverfinger, Maz Bonafide, XLNC, and community acts.

An eclectic musical mix spanning Qawwali, Naat, Bollywood classics, and Bhangra legends B21.

A Cookery Theatre with live demonstrations and workshops led by expert chefs, hosted by TV’s Parveen the Spice Queen.

There will be family-friendly activities, a fun fair, and over 50 stalls offering delicious street food, fashion, crafts, and more.

The highlight of the weekend will be ‘Threads of Grace: Power of You’, a spectacular outdoor fashion show held on Sunday 20 July from 8pm–10pm, set against the stunning backdrop of Cartwright Hall and its gardens.

The catwalk will showcase creations from top designers including IK Collections, Bombay Stores, and Shiffonz, but with a powerful twist. Models will share their personal stories and celebrate their imperfections, in a show designed to challenge conventional beauty standards and promote self-acceptance.

The fashion show will feature familiar faces including, Dr Amir Khan, ITV’s resident GP, Alison Lowe, Deputy Mayor of West Yorkshire for Policing and Crime, former Councillor Richard Dunbar, nephew of Andrea Dunbar, the acclaimed writer of Rita, Sue and Bob Too, Fatima Patel, managing editor of R F Media & Publishing Ltd, who will share her journey of recovery after an accident and serious illness, Rubina Niazi, star of BBC’s The Bradford Aunties, taking to the runway in her hijab and Sian Karia of PR UK, who will celebrate plus size women.

Proceeds from the fashion show will raise funds for Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice and Ovacome, the UK ovarian cancer charity, for whom Manisha Koirala is an ambassador.

Fatima Patel said: “This show is about empowerment, embracing who we are, including our differences and so-called imperfections. In a world where young people are bombarded by filtered ideals on social media, we want to send the message that true beauty lies in authenticity and resilience.”

Organisers are hopeful that the Bradford Food and Lifestyle Mela will mark the start of an annual tradition once again, shining a light on Bradford’s rich cultural diversity and its role as UK City of Culture 2025.

Fatima Patel added: “It has taken months of planning and would not have been possible without the support of partners like Lala’s and Councillor Mohammed Amran, who has been instrumental in making this happen. Other cities across the UK have kept their Melas alive, now it’s time for Bradford to take centre stage once more.”

Cllr Mohammed Amran added: “This is a fantastic and much needed event and a chance for people from all communities to meet together and enjoy one of the best parks in Europe. A Mela like this should be a regular event in Bradford.”

The Bradford Food and Lifestyle Mela is free to attend and welcomes everyone for two days of celebration, community, and connection. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic, explore the stalls, enjoy the entertainment, and soak up the atmosphere.