Mela 2008 UK Listings

August

Locals invited to first ever Merton Borough Mela

Sat 2 Aug
Merton’s fire-fighters, and the Merton Partnership, are inviting local people to have a great day out at the Borough’s first ever Mela, on Saturday, 2nd August.

Visitors can enjoy music, henna painting, head massage, crafts, a traditional jewellery and clothing bazaar, activities and games for children and a range of demonstrations and safety advice  by London’s Emergency services. Entry to the event is free.

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Leeds Mela

August (date tbc)
The biggest Asian event in Leeds and one of the largest in the country, the Leeds Mela at Roundhay Park is a vast celebration of Asian culture and traditions.
With live music, a funfair and multicultural stall holders, the Mela has plenty to keep people busy - programmes in the past have included a fashion show of traditional dress, falcon displays and hot air balloon rides. Don’t miss the food!
Roundhay Park, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 1DF.
See www.leeds.gov.uk for updates.

Rochdale Borough Mega Mela 

Sat 2 Aug & Sun 3 Aug
The multicultural event is being organised by Multicultural Arts and Media Centre with all communities for the past 14 years, and with in-kind support from the environment department, health and safety departments from the Council, emergency services and the Police.
Meetings are taking place with schools, community groups and Borough wide festival and carnival organisers to join hands to share dates, artists and resources to help each other. The Mela has always been a borough wide free multicultural event which brings all communities together in a festival atmosphere where everyone can enjoy visual arts workshops, sports, funfair, food, and entertainment by local, national and international artists.
The event also provides a fantastic opportunity for the business community to share information, network and market their products to all communities”. If you are interested to take part as an artist, information or trade stall holder, organisation, sports team or sponsor, please contact: M. Sarwar (Chief Executive) call or email.
Bowlee Park, Heywood Old Road, Middleton, 10.00am - 8.00pm, free
Contact: Mohammed Sarwar: Tel 01706 642954.

Luton Mela

Sun 3 August
Luton Mela is back, bigger and better than ever before! ...you can also see and hear the best in Asian music, culture and artistic performances.
English urban musician Hunterz whose influences include Arabic, Hindi and Bhangra sounds is topping the bill at this year’s Luton Mela. . . Hunterz first made his vocal debut in 2003 with the bhangra album ‘Most Wanted’ followed by Phat Trax Vol 1: Blazin in 2004 with most songs featuring a contrast of Hindi lyrics with rapping in English. He has also featured on the album Streets of Bollywood and co-wrote and sang the single  ‘Reasons’ with the dub/reggage band UB 40, which he also performed at the Live 8 London concert in Hyde Park.
This year’s event organised by the Mela Group, a community led group with support from Luton Cultural Services Trust, and funding from Luton Borough Council, will feature Bhangra, Bollywood and Bangla sounds as well as Asian urban music.
Andy Grays, Director of Arts, Luton Cultural Services Trust said: “Luton’s Mela is unique and is now the largest free event of its kind in the East of England region. Together with the Mela Group we are planning a great line-up of artists and performances showcasing the best of international, national and local Asian artists. This is one event not to be missed.”
The final programme for the day is currently being finalised and will be revealed shortly. The Mela will also include funfair rides , street entertainment, free arts activities for children,variety of Asian foods, ethnic crafts and charity stalls and much more.
Cllr Mohammed Ashraf, Executive Member with responsibility for arts and leisure said: “The Luton Mela 2008 will be a great day out for all the family to enjoy showcasing a variety of dance and music performances for all ages and tastes.  This is a great opportunity for communities to come together to help celebrate Asian arts and culture and make this year’s Mela an even bigger success.”
Wardown Park, Old Bedford Road, Luton, 12pm-7pm, free
For more information about the Luton Mela contact Hafiza Mohamed, Luton Cultural Services Trust on 01582 87 81 00 or visit
www.luton.gov.uk/mela

BBC Radio 1: The London Mela, Sun 12 August.

East London Mela

Sun 3 August
The East London Mela offers extensive activities targeting the whole family. The event brings together the diverse ethnic communities from East London and surrounding areas. It has effectively integrated these communities together and now it has also extended its appeal to the wider communities. Attractions range from all the fun of the fair through to live music presented on a live concert stage, with community, information and food trade stands in between.
Live acts this year include: Jazzy B, Jassi Sidhu, H Dhami, Juggy D, Imran Khan, Alyssia, Bee2, MC Special, Khiza and Suman, Mona, Navin Kundra, SK1 and Lehmber.
Barking Park, Longbridge, IG11 8AT, 12 – 8pm, £5/£2 (under 12s)/free for under 5s, www.eastlondon-mela.com

Ameet Chana: The London Mela, Sun 12 August.

The London Mela

Sun 12 August
One of the biggest celebrations of Asian culture and creativity in Europe, the London Mela will feature live music, dance and performance from the UK and overseas, ranging from classical to contemporary.
Gunnersbry Park, 12 – 9pm, free, www.londonmela.org

Belfast Mela

Sun 24 August
Live International Music & Dance, World Bazaar, Ethnic Arts Exhibitions, Handicraft Market, Children’s Activities, Henna, Chai Serai, Street Entertainment & Hindi Film at QFT.
Tel: 028 90231 381, www.belfastmela.org.uk

Newcastle Mela

Sun 24th & Mon 25th August
Held annually in Exhibition Park, the Mela is a free event that celebrates Punjabi, Pakistani, Bengali and Hindi cultures. Everyone is invited to experience the various music, art and food of Asian culture. As well as traditional displays of dance and music, the Mela also plays host to contemporary Asian music acts.
Lasting an entire weekend, the Mela promises endless fun, music, games and exhibitions as well as stalls selling arts and crafts, food and drink. There is also a programme aimed at children that promotes further understanding of Asian culture.
Exhibition Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, open all day, free

Bling: Edinburgh Mela Festival, Mon 25 - Sun 31 August.

Edinburgh Mela Festival

Mon 25 - Sun 31 August
Scotland’s biggest intercultural festival is back, and promises to be a stunning display of international and local talent. Savour tastes from across the globe at the many food stalls, enjoy dazzling dance, fabulous theatre and a whole load of musical styles as some of the best performers around hit town, or simply or browse the many craft stalls. Whatever you’re into, whatever your tastes, the Edinburgh Mela makes a great day out.
The Edinburgh Mela is increasingly seen as a central part of Edinburgh’s Festivals. Building on this success, the Mela will now be a week-long festival – moving to the waterfront beside Ocean Terminal in Leith.
A carnival atmosphere with a vibrant and exciting mix of theatre, dance and music. The Edinburgh Mela Festival is a lively event for all the family. Supported by the City of Edinburgh Council, the Scottish Arts Council and sponsored by Forth Ports the Mela Festival has grown in recent years to a bigger and bolder week-long Mela Festival based in Leith, Edinburgh.
Ocean Terminal, Ocean Drive, Leigh, Edinburgh, all day, some free events, tel: 0131 347 2600, www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk

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