York Health and Arts Mela to return to Museum Gardens

The York Health and Arts Mela will be held in Museum Gardens on Sunday, May 17, from 10am to 5pm.

It will be the third Mela to be held in York following successful festivals in 2023 and 2025 which attracted thousands of people to the city.

Mela festivals began in South India – the word means ‘gathering’ in Hindi – but have become common in major cities across the UK.

In York, the free-to-attend festival will combine health, wellbeing, arts and culture.

The day will begin with a group Bollywood dance designed to get people of all ages moving, followed by a varied programme of activities.

Live performances throughout the day will feature Ebor Morris Dancers, Richard Shephard’s School Choir, Miz Deeba and the East Asian Ensemble, alongside a range of other local artists and community groups. Free henna, face painting and arts and crafts will also be available for children.

Around 25 organisations from the NHS, wellbeing sector and arts community will be on site offering information and advice about services available in York.

Organisers said visitors may even spot special guests such as Plucky the Chicken and Spider-Man who will be making appearances during the day.

A wide variety of food stalls will also offer cuisine from around the world, including Indian, Afro-Caribbean and Afghan dishes, alongside traditional favourites such as fish and chips, pizzas and sweet treats.

For more information, visit the Mela’s Instagram and Facebook pages.