KKB are proud to be an official supporter of events organised by Cohesion Plus including the Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival 2024 which took place on Sunday 21st July.
The free-to-attend family festival, which featured a spectacular on and off-stage artistic programme with thousands of attendees treated to incredible acts such as Circus Raj, was organised in partnership with the Kent Equality Cohesion Council supported by Arts Council England and Royal Tunbridge Wells Together.
Originating from the famous city of Rajasthan in India, Circus Raj comprised of storytelling, folk songs, dancing and stunts. Other highlights included The West Kent Keralites who performed music and dance originating from Kerala in South India. Shifting gears on the festivities, crowd favourites and legendary UK Bhangra act Kings of Dhol and Four by Four Bhangra electrified the audience with their unique offering of high octane drumming and dance.
They were the perfect warm up to the next act, internationally renowned Bhangra superstar Jassi Sidhu who performed hits from his vast catalogue of songs. And to bring it all to a climax was the ever sensational Niqi Brown as the incomparable Tina Turner, who brought the house down with an electrifying performance.
Off stage further entertainment was provided by Festival Theatre’s ‘Elephant Puppet’, a life size elephant that interacted with the crowds posing for selfies. Also available was the Playground Project who provided free musical workshops for early years and parents / guardians. In addition there were a number of community and charity stalls who were raising awareness of their services.
There was also a range of mouth-watering food and drink from around the world which was supplied by local traders. Deputy Lieutenant Nick Fisher and the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Cllr Nancy Warne were in attendance and brought a sense of civic pride to the proceedings.