Every summer, GemArts’ Masala Festival shines a light on the North East’s vibrant tapestry of South Asian arts, culture, and community. This year, from Monday 14th to Sunday 20th July, the festival promises to be as diverse and engaging as ever, with a packed programme across some of Newcastle and Gateshead’s best cultural venues.
From live music and dance workshops to film screenings and traditional food, it’s a true celebration – and a great excuse to explore the city along the way.
The festival kicks off on Monday 14th July with Death Magic, a deeply personal new exhibition by Sofia Barton at Vane Gallery. Her work spans cyanotypes (a photographic printing process that creates striking Prussian blue images), paintings, and symbolic objects, exploring memory, loss, and the Punjabi relationship with death – all through a neurodivergent lens.
Also on Monday, foodies can enjoy a specially curated Masala Festival menu at Dabbawal (High Bridge and Jesmond). Newcastle’s pioneers of Indian street food will serve dishes inspired by Sri Lanka, Kerala, and Lahore – including Mango Bhel Puri and Kurkuri lentil-battered okra fries. Mention Dabba Fest 2025 for 10% off the menu.
Film lovers should head to Tyneside Cinema on Tuesday 15th July for I, the Song. Set in Bhutan, this moving mystery follows Nima, a teacher caught in a case of mistaken identity that unfolds into a powerful story of music, community, and self-discovery.
Music remains central throughout the week. On Wednesday 16th July, Baadal Dvaar se Nazar brings an experimental fusion of sarod and viola to Cluny 2. Then, on Saturday 19th July, the Bollywood Brass Band will fill Monument and Haymarket Metro stations with high-energy beats and joyous celebration.
Masala Festival also dives into thought-provoking themes. On Thursday 17th July, Starting Over, Rebuilding from the Ruins at BALTIC explores migration and displacement. At Northern Stage, Gurnaik Johal’s Saraswati reflects on family, longing, and the invisible ties that span continents.
Fancy getting hands-on? Try Ashtanga Yoga at Bensham Grove Community Centre (Monday), a Creative Writing Workshop at DiverCity Hub (Wednesday), Shadow Puppetry (Thursday), and Bollywood Dance Workshops at Gateway Studio (Saturday).
The week rounds off with a free, family-friendly Mini Mela at Bensham Grove on Sunday 20th July.
Whether you’re there for the food, films, music or the joy of community, Masala Festival 2025 offers something for everyone – right on your doorstep.
For further information, head to gemarts.org.
