In our latest Community Matters, we speak to Mohammed Khan and Betty Affleck, organisers of this year's Hyde Mela.
Hyde Mela is returning to Hyde Park this Sunday 26th July 2026, promising a full day of food, entertainment and family fun as organisers once again bring the community together for one of the area’s most welcoming events. With more than 30 stalls already booked and a packed programme of attractions lined up, the popular celebration is expected to draw visitors from across the local area and beyond.
The event, which began in 2021 in the wake of the Covid pandemic, has quickly grown into a key date in the local calendar. Organisers Mohammed Khan and Betty Affleck say the aim has always been to create something that reflects the meaning of a mela, bringing people together in a spirit of cultural cohesion, celebration and shared experience. From the outset, the focus has been on making it a day for everyone, with music, food and entertainment helping to unite people from all backgrounds.
Traditionally, the event had been held over the August bank holiday weekend, but organisers said that post-pandemic challenges made it increasingly difficult to secure the necessary facilities and support at that time of year. Problems finding toilets, security and other practical services, alongside a growing number of competing events, led to a move to July last year. Organisers say that decision proved successful, with strong support from the community and a great atmosphere on the day and so Hyde Mela will once again take place at the end of July.
Hyde Park provides the perfect setting for the event, with its open green space, bandstand and children’s play area all helping to create a relaxed and family-friendly environment. Visitors will be able to enjoy entertainment around the bandstand, while children can make the most of the play equipment and families are encouraged to bring picnics and spend the day on the grass. Organisers say the park’s layout makes it ideal for a community event of this kind, offering something for every age group.
There will be plenty to see and do throughout the day, with a wide range of stalls offering food, crafts, arts and henna painting. The event already has more than 30 stalls booked in, giving visitors a chance to sample different cuisines, browse handmade goods and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that has become a hallmark of the Mela. A funfair and bouncy castles will add to the day’s attractions, while classic cars are also set to return, providing another popular feature for visitors to enjoy.
The entertainment programme will include performances from the Allegiant Dance group, as well as a tribute act to Ed Sheeran, which organisers say is so convincing that listeners may think they are hearing the real thing! A raffle will also take place, with prizes including a food hamper and other items. With music, dancing, food and family activities all taking place in one location, Mohammed and Betty hope the event will once again offer something for everyone.
For Mohammed and Betty, one of the most important parts of Hyde Mela is the chance it gives local performers and businesses to take part. They say the event has always been about supporting the community, promoting local artists and creating opportunities for small businesses to showcase their work. Whether it is a dance group performing on stage, a singer entertaining the crowd or a trader selling local produce or crafts, the Mela aims to give people a platform to share their talents.
Volunteers play a crucial role in making the day possible, and organisers say they are still in need of extra help. They are looking for people willing to assist with a range of tasks, from putting up gazebos and setting out stalls to marshalling the site and helping to keep everything running safely. Volunteers are needed from an early start, with set-up beginning at 7.30am, though organisers say even a couple of hours of help would be greatly appreciated.
Safety and organisation remain a priority, with security, ambulance cover and car park support all planned for the day. Organisers say they want visitors to be able to enjoy themselves without worrying about the practical details, and they are keen for the behind-the-scenes work to go unnoticed so the public can simply enjoy a well-run event. They say that support from local people, volunteers and businesses is vital to making that happen.
Hyde Mela will run from 11am until 5pm this Sunday at Hyde Park. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Betty on 07812 651910.
🗣️Listen to Mohammed and Betty talking to Tameside Radio's Mark Andrews
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