One of the region’s most vibrant and popular cultural festivals is making major steps to reduce its environmental impact for 2025. The Middlesbrough Mela – taking place over the weekend of August 16 and 17 – is putting sustainability at its heart and actively embracing greener practices.
From cutting down on single-use plastics to powering the main stage with cleaner energy, this year’s Mela will be cleaner and more energy-efficient than ever before.
Artistic Solutions
In partnership with sustainable technology experts Artistic Solutions, organisers are exploring and implementing alternative power sources, including battery storage systems and greener biofuels.
As a result, a large portion of the festival’s technical and stage equipment will be powered by battery while festival-goers can also expect to see low-energy LED intelligent lighting effects and fully electric promotional vehicles, reducing emissions while engaging with the local community.
Dan Brobbel, Head of Tees Valley-based Artistic Solutions, said:
“Much of the technical equipment within the stage area will be powered by a battery source, with peaks and redundancy being back-filled with a new greener biofuel. The battery storage facility reduces many things including spills, noise and air pollution.”
Mela Executive Director Kash Patel added:
“This isn’t just a festival – it’s a statement, and an inclusive celebration of culture, community and conscious choices. We believe celebrations can bring people together and still take responsibility for the world we live in. Sustainability isn’t just a trend – it’s our future, and we’re proud to be playing our part. As tens of thousands of people come together to celebrate our 35th anniversary, we can still party with purpose. Let’s ensure that this year’s festivities leave a positive legacy, not a carbon footprint.”
Middlesbrough Mela info
Mela takes place on Saturday, 16 August and Sunday, 17 August in Middlesbrough’s Albert Park with extended hours up to 9pm on the Saturday due to the Jay Sean concert.
Tickets for the evening concert are available at the Mela website, Town Hall box office and Skiddle with the first release having already sold out.
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