Join the MELA Arts Village in July for great performances

Head down to the Mela Arts Village to catch Autin Dance’s The Giant Wheel, an exciting high-energy performance, and walk about stilt acts and puppetry with Jack in the Box.

Next month, Sandwell’s Victoria Park (located on Smethwick High Street) will come alive with the sights and sounds of the annual Mela, taking place on the 13th and 14th of July 2024. This year's event, in association with TATA Consumer Products, promises an unforgettable celebration of culture, arts, and community at the Creative Black Country supported MELA ARTS VILLAGE.

One of the festival's highlights is ‘The Giant Wheel’ by Autin Dance Theatre. Prepare to be mesmerised by this high-energy performance that blends contemporary storytelling, striking physicality, and innovative large-scale designs. Founded in 2013 by choreographer and artistic director Johnny Autin, Autin Dance Theatre is renowned for its mission to inspire, educate, and instigate positive social change through socially relevant, multi-disciplinary arts activities. Their performances continually transform theatres, outdoor spaces, and non-traditional venues into stages for powerful artistic expression.

‘The Giant Wheel’ will head to Smethwick and is a moving spectacle inspired by the beauty, power, and impact of diverse communities coming together. Featuring a towering 12-foot tall Giant Wheel powered by six street artists, this dynamic performance is accompanied by music and a large community cast of local groups and individual performers.

As the Giant Wheel carries performers high above the ground, spinning them around with ferocious energy, the act symbolically captures the cycles of life. At times, the Wheel grants momentum and speed, while at others, it gently rocks back and forth, imitating the repetitive and laborious nature of life's journey.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. The MELA ARTS VILLAGE will also feature an array of walkabout stilt acts and puppetry, including the whimsical Jack in the Box, bringing joy and fun to attendees of all ages.

Join CBC at Birmingham Mela’s Art Village to immerse yourself in a weekend filled with arts, culture, and community spirit. Mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Find out more here at the Mela website.

We’ll be sharing performance times closer to the event.