The York Health and Arts Mela returns to York Museum Gardens on Sunday 17 May 2026, offering residents a free day of cultural celebrations and health information. Running from 10:00am to 5:00pm, the festival aims to bring the community together through South Asian music, dance, and food, while providing access to local health services.
Organised by Eimaan Culture and Community Services CIC, the event is hosted in partnership with the York Museums Trust, the Humber and North Yorkshire Care Partnership, Public Health England (CYC), and Nimbuscare. The festival focuses on addressing health inequalities by making it easier for underrepresented groups to connect with NHS and voluntary sector organisations in a relaxed, inclusive environment.
The 2026 festival will feature a special performance by the Ancient Giants from Inspirate, marking the first time these 10ft tall puppets will appear in York. Organisers are building on the momentum of previous years, including the 2025 event which drew approximately 7,500 attendees, more than double the number seen at the inaugural 2023 gathering.
The project has gained significant recognition for its community impact, having won the Best Community Project award at the 2024 York Community Pride Awards and receiving a commendation from the BBC Make a Difference Awards in 2025. Those interested in supporting this year’s event can look for opportunities through York CVS, which is currently coordinating volunteer stewards for the day.
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