Birmingham Mela, Europe's largest South Asian music festival, returns to Victoria Park in Smethwick on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from midday to 8pm. Organisers expect more than 50,000 attendees, making travel and parking a challenge.
Road Closures in Place
Sandwell Council has announced extensive road closures around the park, with some starting as early as 6am and lasting until 10pm. A council spokesman said: "There will be road closures in place around the event so pick ups and drop offs will not be possible near the park. Please use public transport where possible."
From 6am to 10pm, the following roads will be closed: Park Retreat (entirety) and Suffrage Street (western arm from its junction with Corbett Street). From 7am to 8pm, closures include Amity Close, Ballot Street, Barnstaple Road, Corbett Street, Croxall Way, Dawlish Road, Exeter Road, John Brookes Avenue, Jordan Close, Norma Rose Close, Pool Road, Pritchard Close, Ron Davies Close, Suffrage Street (between Corbett Street and Windmill Lane), Tiverton Road, Victoria Avenue, and Victoria Park Road (all in their entirety). From 10am to 8pm, Brook Street (south and south-west side, Crocketts Lane to Victoria Park Road) and Price Street (south-west side, Victoria Park Road to Exeter Road) will be closed.
Public Transport Recommended
Visitors are strongly advised to use public transport. The nearest train station is Smethwick Rolfe Street, a 10-minute walk from the park. Smethwick Galton Bridge offers additional mainline connections but is a 23-minute walk away. Several bus routes pass adjacent to the park: 80, 87, 89, 53, and 55.
Limited Parking Available
If driving, limited car parking is available at Victoria Park for £10 per day. Roadside parking is extremely limited due to the road closures. The council asks drivers to be mindful not to block driveways or footpaths and to allow extra time for traffic.
Event Entrance
The entrance to the park is via the High Street gate next to Smethwick Council House, a short walk from Galton Valley Canal Heritage Area.
