The London Mela
Sunday 10 August 2008
Gunnersbury Park
12 – 8.30 pm
Free
Something for everyone at sixth London Mela - the Asian Glastonbury
This year's London Mela - widely described as the Asian Glastonbury - takes place in Gunnersbury Park on Sunday 10 August bringing circus, outdoor theatre, visual arts and the best of live music to one of Europe’s largest outdoor Asian festivals. Supported by the Greater London Authority and produced by Ealing Council, the free family-friendly London Mela - which last year attracted 75,000 people - features something for every generation on the 30 acre site.
For music fans, highlights on the main stage - supported by BBC Asian Network - include Taz from Stereo Nation who returns to the UK from Mumbai, having scored and starred in top Bollywood movies; leading Bhangra star Jassi Sidhu; Raghav, Mona Singh and Labh Janjua from India.
Further music will be at London Flavas - hosted by Bobby and Nihal and supported by BBC Radio 1, 1 Xtra and Continental Drifts - featuring the best urban Asian beats from around the world including the hugely talented Taio Cruz; and the Soundpipe Crew, an amazing live bhangra band. Meanwhile at the BBC Asian Network mix tent, DJs mix up the latest Desi Beats, Hip Hop, Drum n Bass and Electro as well some old party favourites. And the Indo Electronica zone - in association with Continental Drifts Global Local and Arts Council England - where avant-garde DJs and musicians collaborate to present new music.
As well as music, the London Mela programme includes many thrilling performances for families. At the Community Cabaret Stage - presented in association with BBC London - visitors are urged to expect the unexpected with spectacular aerial work from one of the UK’s leading circus companies, Ockham’s Razor - and a Flamenco Bhangra Fusion created by young people from West London.
For children and the young at heart, Magic Mela - in association with Emergency Exit Arts - provides a delightful, interactive area where visitors can experience the magic of stories, dance and creative play.
Meanwhile, in the Heritage Maidaan and Classical zone, the arts and cultural heritage of London’s Asian communities are celebrated. Highlights include the Sacred Music Project, which fuses Hindustani and Muslim devotional music in the form of Sufi Qawwal and Bhajans. Exhibitions include an installation by Sri Lankan artist and peace campaigner Thenuwara Chandragupta which reflects on the impact of the Sri Lankan civil war on Sri Lankan society - and MyMela: A Retrospective of Mela, an exhibition of 30 images of mela curated by Ajay Chhabra.
And, of course, the London Mela includes a funfair and market area for food, crafts and cultural stalls.
More information is available at www.londonmela.org.uk
London Mela 2008 feedback
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