Over 90,000 expected at third London Mela

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A true feast of South Asian culture in Gunnersbury Park

A true feast of South Asian culture awaits the 90,000 strong crowd expected at the third London Mela at Gunnersbury Park, W3, on Sunday 14 August.

Late additions to the already impressive Mela line up include a unique musical fusion of three of Bhangra’s greatest - Alaap, DCS and Malkit Singh. They will be performing solo and together as the ‘Godfathers of Bhangra’ on the Main Stage.

Also confirmed on the main stage will be Asia Electrik - an Indo-jazz outfit who are flying in from India as part of the Mayor of London's Friendship Agreement with Delhi – and a special performance of the smash hit West End musical Far Pavilions - an epic love story where two cultures collide.

The London Mela, the biggest one-day celebration of South Asian culture and creativity outside of the Indian subcontinent, is supported by the Mayor of London and produced by Ealing Council in partnership with Hounslow Council, and principal sponsors, Barclays, Sony Entertainment Asia and Sunrise Radio, whose own breakfast DJ star, Tony Patti, will compere the Main Stage.

With 12 zones of activity across 30 acres of the park, the spectacular free one-day festival offers something for everyone, young and old.

Mela regulars Bobby and Nihal from Radio 1 will play the best in British Asian urban music on the London Flavas stage and workshops, performance poetry and countless children’s activities will give crowds a more interactive experience.

The highlight on the Main Stage will be Bollywood legend Usha Uthup and her big band, while classical and devotional sounds will flow from the ‘rhythm and taal stage’.

Cllr Jasbir Anand, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture, said: “We are truly proud in Ealing to have been involved in such a fantastic event from the beginning. The London Mela is now an integral part of the country’s cultural calendar and there is no better way to celebrate the diversity of Ealing as a borough and London as a whole and bring together its many communities.”

Mayor Ken Livingstone said: “This year the London Mela is more important than ever, in reflecting the unity of our city and the huge positive contribution made to its culture, life and business by its diverse Asian communities. It provides an opportunity to express the desire of London’s people from all backgrounds and cultures to come together for shared celebration.”

Ajay Chhabra, Artistic Director of the London Mela, said: “If you put all of the arts centres, clubs and theatres of London together for one day, you’ll get the London Mela. Come along to be surprised, excited and entertained!”

March 27, 2004