Our Mela freaks have been out and about gathering information on what's what and who's where for Summer 2003.

So for the third year running here's the low-down on Melas happening in your area. (All dates and venues are correct at time of going to press)

BRADFORD MELA

Peel Park

Sat June 21st & Sun 22nd

This is one of the oldest melas around but if last year's effort is anything to go by...it's getting way past it's sell by date.

Bradford has always been the centre of the UK for anything Asian and there's been some memorable melas in the city. Maybe it was the change of location that threw some people off last year but then again it was far better than being crammed into Manningham Park.

Size matters...and the mela is still the largest in Europe so still organisers have always been able to attract the very best in acts. This year the man himself Malkit Singh will be headlining. Need we say more.

The mela is taking place over one weekend but the Bradford International Festival will take place for ten days starting on June 12th.

Highlights from the those ten days include the Lord Mayor's Carnival Parade, the IOU Theatre's newly commissioned Tattoo, featuring teams of human ants. Spectacular Fireworks show by External Combustion. The Second National Fusion Awards where Artists, DJs and bands from across the UK compete for a chance to perform at the Mela.

As always the mela boasts a hell of a lot of stands and stalls where you can buy anything and everything.

We think this mela much like all the others should have a section for those who can't hold their drink...so the rabble doesn't spoil anyone's day.

BLACKBURN MELA

Corporation Park

Sat July 5th & Sun 6th

There can be no finer place to hold a mela than Corporation Park.

The atmosphere is electric and all in all Blackburn folk are quite friendly. This mela is quickly taking the shine off festivals in the bigger cities.

This year the Council have switched dates with the excellent Arts in the Park which will now take place a week later.

The stage is majestic and maybe other melas would be quick to realise the potential of having one.

Despite not reaching the nirvana of 2001, organisers still managed to get down Taz from Stereonation (and he's back)....however Hans Raj Hans failed to appear and neither did Abrar-Ul-Haq (who was rumoured to be on the cards this time last year) .

Let us hope organisers have some pulling power this year and make sure everyone we were promised actually turns up on the day.

Another bonus would be more ideas and activities for mela-goers.

Apart from standing in front of the stage there is little else to do.

Apparently a fashion marquee is on the cards.

NELSON MELA

Victoria Park

The real baby of the local mela circuit.

They say size doesn't matter and small can be beautiful but for the amount of noise that comes out of Nelson and Brierfield this mela could be so much better.

We're crying out for a real smash in Pendle but so far small crowds and mediocre attractions are leaving us speechless.

ACCRINGTON &

HYNDBURN MELA

Another small mela...and another with huge potential. At least this one seems to be going somewhere though and all in all it's a good family day out. Not so much to see but rather more to get involved in.

Last year was great...by small mela standards.

On the downside ...you try finding out when it's happening and when....it seems the organisers haven't got a clue.

BOLTON MELA

Spar Road playing fields

Sun July 27th

We missed the Bolton crew out last year so we made sure we got as many details as possible this year...however sketchy. Now in it's fifth year a family and community focus should make it a worthwhile day out.

MELA MANCHESTER

Heaton Park

Sun 27th July

Isn't it great...two melas in one city. Well we're not complaining.

It rained like it's never rained before last year but organisers still managed to put on a show.

They'll be hoping the weather holds up this year and if it does you could be in for a treat. A total of 125 stalls hailing from more nationalities than any other mela. Whereas the standard of bands is slightly below and the mela is not as well established as it's South Manchester counterpart the festival still has a great flavour to it.

PRESTON MELA

Avenham Park

Sun Aug 3rd

Much like years gone by this mela is family focused.

That doesn't mean they don't have the bands every mela goer hankers for, but the number of community groups that get involved is still amazing.

The marquees are always full of of small but interesting community based activities displaying a range of activities for people who don't want to dance till they drop.

It's also very good for the kids despite not having a massive funfair most other melas always tend to provide.

The whole impact was lost last year though as rain put paid to all the plans and it ended up being an indoor bazaar at the Guild Hall. You can't do anything about the weather but you can do something about a real big act.

MANCHESTER MEGA MELA

Platt Fields Park

Sun 24th Aug & Mon 25th

Yes that's right Monday. This year's mela takes place a month after it's regular date on the Bank Holiday weekend.

Manchester has been vastly improving it's mela for the past couple of years and they are never short of ideas.

The two stages and the layout were good a year ago. There was a great variety of stalls each bringing something new to the festival.

The atmosphere has a flavour of it's own only the City of Manchester can provide.

The line-up hasn't been announced just yet but we are told there is going to be more BBC input into this year's festival and a bigger jobs fair.

But as in years gone by the punters are unhappy with the entry fee. Charging people to get into the mela is a real let down. It would be OK if all the food was free when you got inside but then having to pay a quid for a can of cola really puts you off.

The best of the rest...

Edinburgh Mela

Pilrig Park (off Leith Walk)

Friday 29 - Sun 31 August

The historic city of Edinburgh has it all and it's worth the three hours drive.

Music, colour, dance, art, fashion, food, children's activities and the Mela bazaar. Plus the normal friendly Scottish welcome.

Southall Mela

Sat Aug 30th - Sun 31st

We thought we'd include this one because when they have problems down south they really have problems.

Last year, the mela was canceled due to a £24,000 traffic management order...which was imposed because of complaints concerning yes you guessed it...congestion.

The organisers couldn't pay that much and even Mayor of London Ken Livingston got involved.

If they do manage to go ahead this year expect the biggest bands and crowds only a capital city can provide. By the way leave the motor at home and use the tube.

Leicester Mela 2003

Abbey Park

Sat July 12th and Sun 13th

There's nothing better than a mela in Leicester...well it rhymes if you say it quick enough.

For people power and sheer volume of traffic Leicester is second to none. Plus there's a carnival on the Sunday. No line up details as yet but anyone wanting information can call 0116 2221905.

Newcastle Mela

Exhibition Park

Sun 24th & Mon 25th Aug

Easily the largest mela in the North East attracting thousands from around the region.

Unlike Lancashire the area is host to only three major melas each year so the audience really get their moneys worth. Worth the drive up if you fancy a bash geordie style.