Confirmation of the next Big John’s Birmingham Mela has come through after a stunning launch outside Birmingham City Council.   Now in its 15th year, Birmingham Mela is one of the most popular fixtures in the city’s diverse events calendar, attracting tens of thousands of people to Cannon Hill Park. The event will be held at Cannon Hill Park on August 16.

The free family event returns again this year and, to launch it, a media event was held at the Lord Mayor’s Suite at the Council House, in Victoria Square, on Thursday, 21 May, where the date was announced, as well as details of this year’s sponsor, Big John’s.

To mark the occasion, there was Dhol drummers and dancers performing in Victoria Square, providing a taste of the vibrant, colourful celebrations to come at the event itself.

Kasim Choudhry from Big Johns said: “Big Johns are honoured to be given the opportunity this year to be the proud organisers of the Birmingham Mela. The event has been running for 14 years and this is the second time we are involved, not only in the sponsorship but in the organisation of the event. This is a special event and close to our hearts. It gives us an opportunity to put back in to Birmingham what Birmingham has given to us. Birmingham is a vibrant, cosmopolitan, multicultural conurbation with lots to offer to people from all backgrounds. This event is an opportunity for us to celebrate all the good things about Birmingham.

Historically known as the Eid Mela, the event has been rebranded the Birmingham Mela making it an all-inclusive event uniting all different communities within the City. We would like to thank Birmingham City Council for giving us the opportunity to organise this prestigious event. We feel that it is events like this which make Birmingham a special place. It allows the city to celebrate its vast array of culture and diversity. We would also like to thank our partners Toyota, Pepsi, KTC, Saka water and Brunei Halal for their generosity and support in assisting us to piece this event together.

We are looking forward to the event which will take place on 16th August 2015 at Birmingham’s infamous Cannon Hill Park in the heart of the city. There will be over 100 stalls with a selection of food, fashion, arts and crafts. A main stage showcasing some of the biggest UK Asian artists as well as international artists, not to forget a fashion show with some of the best designer wear from around the sub-continent. If you thought that was it then you’re wrong, as well as a funfair there will be a whole area dedicated to sporting activities such as traditional South Asian Kabaddi to fast lane cricket bowling. So find your best hat and don’t forget your sunglasses because this will be an event to remember.”