South Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate, value, understand and educate people about the diverse heritage and cultures in the UK and our deep connections with South Asia. Find out more about how you can get involved in the national month of celebration, as well as Newcastle’s South Asian festivals this summer, our city’s South Asian communities and how we promote South Asian languages, connections and cultures.
South Asian Heritage Month 2023
South Asian culture has a significant impact on British life, culture and society and contributes to the diversity of our nation. The theme in 2023 is Stories to Tell. People are encouraged to share their experiences and explore themes from identity and community, to gender faith, family and more to create a sense of unity, connection and belonging. It is an opportunity to showcase what being South Asian in the 21st century entails, while also reflecting on the past and how it has shaped South Asians in Britain.
- Find out more about South Asian Heritage Month here
- Download toolkits for schools, events and sponsors
- Follow on social media: facebook, twitter, instagram and youtube
Celebrations, contacts and support in Newcastle
- GemArts Masala Festival 17-23 July is a celebration of South Asian arts and culture, music, dance, literature, performances and workshops, family fun days, food events and more to venues, places and spaces across the North East.
- Newcastle Mela 27-28 August at Exhibition Park in Newcastle is a joyful, free annual event, suitable for all ages and families. Celebrating South Asian cultures, with fun, laughter, music, arts, entertainment and performance, as well as stalls selling food, clothing and jewellery.
- There are many organisations in Newcastle who celebrate and support South Asian culture, faiths, traditions, business and communities. Click here to see our Directory
- As part of our work to support schools with international connections and widening opportunities, we have established new school partnerships with India and links with local South Asian communities
- Our Newcastle City of Languages partnership initiative encourages the promotion of language learning and qualifications, including in Home, Heritage and Community Languages – maximising the linguistic talents, intercultural awareness and future opportunities for children and young people
- Our annual Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages encourages children and young people to celebrate their mother tongues and languages they speak in their communities through creative projects, events and activities