Reading Mela marks 10th anniversary with 5,000‑plus attendees

Reading Mela celebrated its 10th anniversary in Berkshire’s Palmer Park, drawing more than 5,000 visitors for a free weekend of South Asian music, food, dance and cultural performances. The festival, founded in 2016 by community organiser Aradhana Singh, aims to bring together diverse communities and showcase heritage from across South Asia.

NHS Blood and Transplant used the event to engage South Asian residents about blood and plasma donation, stressing that people with conditions such as Type 2 diabetes can still donate. Community engagement coordinator Khushi Jhurani highlighted the festival as an opportunity to break misconceptions and encourage registration for donors.

The celebration underscores the growing role of Reading Mela as a major fixture in the town’s cultural calendar and as a platform for public‑health outreach.