South Asian communities have long shaped and enriched British culture — from the rhythms of our music to the spice in our kitchens, the bold colours of our fashion to the stories we carry across generations. 


Freespill return to GemArts Masala Festival for an electrifying evening of spoken word poetry, celebrating what it means to be boldly and unapologetically South Asian. Expect raw, powerful, and uplifting performances exploring identity, heritage, resistance, and joy. 

 
Hosted by Newcastle’s very own Tahmina Ali, the night will feature a dynamic mix of local talent and national voices, including this year’s headline act Shareefa Energy, whose work fuses activism with lyrical depth.  

 
This year’s event will also feature a special Thresholds Segment, spotlighting poetry from Thresholds — a groundbreaking new anthology published by Butcher’s Dog and co-edited by Tahmina Ali and Jo Clement. The anthology celebrates the voices of South Asian women poets from the North East, including new work from the editors and contributors. 


Come through, bring your people, and celebrate stories that are rooted, resilient, and proudly South Asian. 

Presented by GemArts 

GemArts award winning Masala Festival is back from 14 – 20 July 2025 celebrating a mix and blend of the finest South Asian Arts and Culture, packed full of performances, exhibitions, events, workshops, talks, pop ups and delicious Indian food in venues, places and spaces across the North east. For full Masala Festival 2024 programme visit www.gemarts.org