SUMMER time wouldn't be complete without a Mela these days. Every town has one. If you have yet to experience the Mela there's probably one coming to a park near you. Our Mela freaks have been out and about gathering information on what's what and who's where for Summer 2002. So for the second year running here's the Asian Image the low down on Melas happening in your area.
BRADFORD MELA
Peel Park
Sat June 15th and Sun June 16th
They really know how to put on a show but after 14 years of trying you're going to get it right sooner or later.
It claims to be the largest Mela in Europe but last year it wasn't 'all right on the night'. Mainly due to some of the usual rabble kicking off.
There's been a change in management since then and a change in mood too.
This year they're going global with a whole host of artists performing over the two days from around the world.
Peel Park will be home to two main stages, featuring headline acts, street theatre and comedy and a market place host to Asian crafts and food and drink. New Fusion takes top billing at the event - bands blending Western and Eastern music, a new initiative for the Mela is the creation of a Fusion Music competition with the latest stars to be selected by Ministry of Sound.
At this year's mela you'll find: Transglobal Underground, Dhol Foundation, Achanak, New Fusion (Four bands blending Western and Eastern musical influences), Salsa Celtica, Pallavi Ravall, Diva Entertainments (Honey Kolaria choreographer and actress), Zuba, Black Umfolosi (The world famous accapella and dance group from Zimbabwe), Nachda Sansaar (Punjabi folk dances).
IMAGE RATING: An experience if nothing else
Corporation Park
Sat July 13th and Sun July 14th
Last year's mela was probably the best one the region has seen since Mela fever began. It had everything and organisers couldn't be applauded enough for pulling it off.
The stage was awesome, Stereonation rocked and the crowds were on the whole well behaved.
So what can we expect from Mela organisers this summer. If it ain't broke don't fix seems to be the motto. Stereonation are back and people can expect the same kind of layout as last year. Arts in the Park will again take place a week prior to the Mela.
We also hear Abrar-ul-Haq is coming to town. A great bonus.
However, we also hear 'ex-Spandau Ballet' are coming down. Who? Apparently they are made up of former members of Spandau Ballet. Duh...Who? You know the pop band from the eighties who had a couple of British chart hits. We are told they'll pull in the over twenty-fives.
Look! This is Mela - it ain't no stage for some has beens comeback special - seems like someone somewhere has a CD in their car and thought there were others out there who had the same taste in music. Well, we have been wrong before. It might just work.
IMAGE RATING: More of last year please
MANCHESTER MELA
Platt Field Park
Sat July 20th and Sun July 21st
The great thing about having a mela in Platt Fields Park is the fact that if you get bored you can bum around the takeways on Wilmslow Road.
With the Commonwealth games taking place in the city Manchester Mela organisers are hoping to go one better this year and making sure you don't get bored.
Manchester is going to be buzzing and you'd be a fool to miss out this year because all the razzamataz of the Commonwealth Games doesn't come round that often.
So what have they planned for us this year?
There are over 70 stalls offering the punter everything from food to clothes.
Mela organisers are aiming to make it more community orientated this year and are setting up a huge 'central community marquee'. There will also be a number of big employers looking to spot your talents throughout the two days.
Last year 15% of the audience were non-Asian and there is a bid to increase that figure. With people from all over the world descending on Manchester for the games that won't be difficult.
On the stage this time round we have among others: Stereonation, Ibrar-ul-haq, Jawad Ahmed, Naeem Abbas, Hadiqa Kiyani, Rahim Shah, The Goodness Gracious me team and memebrs of the Eastenders cast. That's a lot of entertainment.
Of those Stereonation will be on for 90 minutes and playing live.
Apparently, £14.30 was spent on each person at last year's Mela.
A word of advice for anyone travelling to the Mela. They do charge at the door. But this year if you buy your ticket before the event, you'll only have to pay £2.
On the day it'll cost you £4 (adults) and £3 (children).
IMAGE RATING: Commonwealth atmosphere may give it the edge
NELSON MELA
Victoria Park
Sun July 28th
Organisers of the Nelson Mela in Victoria Park are hoping for another successful turn out after more than 3,000 people attended last year's event.
The multi-cultural event will be organised by the Nelson Mela Committee, made up of local people, with help from Mid Pennine Arts.
The day will include music programmes on the bandstand, a film tent, a couple of marquees with a variety of workshops, all sorts of arts and crafts, performances by local children's groups, stalls, side shows and food.
They're also trying to attract a couple of artists down from Pakistan.
If your looking for a break from all the hullabaloo of the 'big' melas this might be your cup of chai. It's quaint we say but who said size really matters.
IMAGE RATING: Small could be beautiful
PRESTON MELA
Avenham Park
Sun August 4th
The weird but wonderful thing about Preston Mela is how they always manage to really make it family orientated. And they're sticking to their guns.
There's plenty of family entertainment again and emphasis on community (not that you want to hear that). It was good wholesome family entertainment - the kind any Simpsons addict would be proud of.
This year there are two stages again. One to host an International and national group (which haven't been named yet) and the other to stage acts by community groups, dance and fashion shows.
Now in it's sixth year, Preston should put on a show this year having become a city. And after clashing with Blackburn Mela last time round (not Preston's fault mind you, because they always host their mela during the first week of August) they'll be hoping six is the magic number.
Further info by logging on to their regularly updated website: www.preston.com/mela
IMAGE RATING: Families come first
And if you're still not satisfied or have nothing better to do check out the best of the rest: Edinburgh Mela
Sat 31st August - Sun 1st September
More information at www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk
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