Mela Comes Home!
See photo's from Mela 21 here!
From dancing Gods to Bhangra-folk beats, Nottingham Mela is back with a bang this year, showcasing the very best of Bollywood, Bhangra, Dance, Pop, R'n'B, Qawwali and Fusion, as we mark 21 years of Mela in the UK. Celebrations are all the more special this year, as we bring it back to where it all began - Nottingham, as Nottingham Mela comes of age!
When: Sunday 7th June 2009
Where: Old Market Square, Sky Mirror and Royal Centre
Times: 1 - 7pm
There will be three Mela 21 sites in Nottingham city centre, with performances taking place in Old Market Square's Main Stage & Fountain Arena, hosted by award-winning DJ's from the BBC Asian Network. The Royal Centre Stage will host a showcase bonanza, promoting the best of local talent from Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands, with dance performances also taking place at Nottingham Playhouse's Sky Mirror.
The site in Old Market Square will be transformed into a Bazaar hosting many speciality stalls selling Asian arts, textiles, music and freshly prepared Indian food.
"Mela" is a Sanskrit word meaning 'gathering', 'to meet' or a Fair.
This year's Mela has a great line up including iconic Bhangra superstar Jazzy B, Ghazal soulstress Najma Akhtar, and South Asian dance impresario's Akademi with their latest production - Initium, Gujarati folk dancers Vasuki Sankrutik all the way from India, whilst Brit-Asian genius Niraj Chag will be weaving rhythmic soundscapes at The Royal Centre.
There will also be numerous youth and community arts projects and events taking place in the run upto Mela.
