Taking place on Saturday and Sunday July 15 and 16 2006, the Blackburn Mela will include an eclectic blend of traditional and contemporary Asian art, food, workshops, and musical entertainment that will have a definite ‘World Music’ flavour. Opening times on both days of this free festival is noon. The Rishi Rich Project, featuring Jay Sean, Juggy D and Veronica headlines a musical programme that will include Arabic, African, Bhangra and Bollywood dancers. Other performers include Andrea, Jinx, Punjabi No 1, Shabz, Sabri Qawwal, Stereo Nation, Tariq Khan, plus Shukshider Shinda and his live band. The World Music flavour will continue with Blackburn’s very own Ghawazee Arabic dancers, plus a troupe of African dancers, Dhol drum players, and a multi-ethnic bagpipe band. Workshop classes in Dhol drumming and kite making, a singing competition, and poetry reading in Gujrati and Urdu will also be featured at what promises to be an entertaining weekend. Blackburn community arts group, Action Factory, will be involved with the classes and workshops in preparation for their production of Robin Hood that will bring together community performers of all ages. |
