By KLTV Newsdesk –
Kirklees is once again set to host the highly anticipated Sangam Festival: A Celebration of South Asian Heritage this summer.
This year’s festival is going ahead with funding from the Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants and Kirklees Council.
The festival promises to showcase the richness of South Asian culture and heritage, bringing together communities and promoting diversity.
Sangam Mela
The event will kick off with the much-loved Sangam Mela, scheduled to take place on Sunday, 9 July, from 12 noon to 7 pm at Greenhead Park in Huddersfield.
The Mela will be a highlight of Kirklees Council’s ‘Greenhead Gathering’ weekend and align with the Kirklees Year of Music 2023.
Last year’s Mela drew an enthusiastic audience of approximately 6,700 people.
Post-Launch
Following the vibrant launch, the festival will present a diverse range of activities celebrating South Asian heritage, arts, and culture.
These activities will be held across various venues, outdoor spaces, and digital platforms throughout South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM), which spans from 18 July to 17 August 2023.
In addition, a comprehensive Schools Programme will engage young individuals in educational activities focused on South Asian heritage.
‘Enviable Reputation
Expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, Festival Director and CEO of Communities Together and Radio Sangam, Qaisar Mahmood, remarked: “In two short years, Sangam Festival has established an enviable reputation for promoting South Asian heritage, culture, and entertainment in Yorkshire, as well as bringing much-needed investment into Kirklees, providing vital new commissions for local freelance practitioners, and promoting community cohesion. We’re excited to be back for a third year.”
‘Diverse Communities of Kirklees’
Cllr Naheed Mather, the Cabinet Member for Culture and Greener Kirklees, voiced her delight about the return of the Sangam Festival. She emphasised the significance of the festival’s contribution to Kirklees Council’s Year of Music initiative, which aims to unite the diverse communities of Kirklees through the power of music.
Cllr Mather said: “The year is all about bringing the diverse communities of Kirklees together through music, and Sangam Festival will undoubtedly achieve that with a series of cultural events for all to enjoy.”
Get Involved
Local organisations interested in incorporating their SAHM activities into the festival are encouraged to reach out to Festival Manager Michelle Hodgson via email at michelle@sangamfestival.co.uk.
Individuals who wish to sponsor an event or join the Festival volunteer team are invited to contact Qaisar Mahmood at info@sangamfestival.co.uk or call 01484 549947.
For further information about the Sangam Festival, including event details and updates, please visit the official festival website at https://sangamfestival.co.uk/.