The London Mela
A celebration of South Asian art and culture for London
14 August 2005
Gunnersbury Park, Popes Lane, W3 8LQ
12pm – 8.45pm
FREE ENTRY The London Mela is a one-day festival aimed at celebrating south Asian culture and creativity, both from Britain and the rest of the world. Produced by Ealing Council and supported by the Mayor of London, it is one of the few Melas in the country which commissions new work, provides a platform for emerging British artists, and brings traditional and classical art forms to a wider audience. The event, on August 14, will feature contemporary and classical music and dance, street theatre, circus, cabaret, comedy, visual arts and spoken word, from some of the world’s biggest names. There will be 12 zones of activity across 30 acres of Gunnersbury Park, including: THE MAIN STAGE
This promises to feature some of the best in Asian pop music. Appearing this year will be the Bollywood legend, Usha Uthup, and for the first time ever, some of the godfathers of bhangra, brought together for a unique one-off concert.
CLASSICAL MELA
The ‘rhythm and taal’ stage presents world-renowned musicians performing classical and devotional music, including a solo tabla performance by Pandit Sharda Sahai; santoor by Kiranpal Singh Deoora; and kathak by Urja Desai.
LONDON FLAVAS
BBC Radio 1’s Bobby and Nihal present the best in British Asian urban music from some of the most exciting artists on the scene. This year, they include Dum Dum Project, a DJ collective from New York, Thailand and London, performing in the UK for the first time.
HERITAGE MAIDAN
The Heritage Maidan celebrates the vast array of stories and experiences which makes the London Mela possible, and educates visitors about South Asia’s rich cultural heritage. It includes London premieres of two exhibitions: From Soho Road to the Punjab traces the history of Bhangra from the villages of Punjab to the streets of Birmingham; while Women @ Work chronicles working women in Pakistan.
CABARET MELA
Welcome to the arena of the unexpected, featuring an eclectic mix of circus, comedy, music and dance. Highlights include performance poetry from Yam Boy alongside Last Mango in Paris; a brand new open-mic comedy slot, Make MELAugh; and Wrapped Up, a mesmerising display of movement and aerial skill.
STREET ARTS
Specially commissioned street arts for the festival. Look out for In the Dhol Drums, the largest wandering Dhol drum in the world, and Raag Mela and Colourscape, a classical music commission which evokes the shifting mood of Mela, presented in a uniquely atmospheric and colourful environment.
COMMUNITY STAGE
A stage dedicated to celebrating community arts and performance. This year, the Community Stage focuses on pan-London projects, with an emphasis on reminiscence theatre and dance.
MAGIC MELA
The area of the festival dedicated to children and families. Among the many activities and performances, Save the Children will host a graffiti wall, encouraging everybody to draw, paint and scribble to create a unique record of the event.
ACTIVE MELA
Dance workshops, traditional Asian sports and alternative therapies are all available in Active Mela, the zone which promotes sports and healthy lifestyles.
THE BAZAARS and FOOD COURT
The colourful marketplace to delight all of your senses, with food from all corners of the globe.
TRAVEL INFORMATION Gunnersbury Park, Popes Lane, W3 8LQ
Tube Acton Town (Piccadilly Line, District Line)
Gunnersbury (District Line) Train Gunnersbury Bus E3 stops outside. 65, 237, 267, 391, H91 stop within a 15 minute walk Car Limited on-site paid parking will be available, however, Ealing Council is encouraging people to use public transport. Residents’ parking only zones will be strictly enforced around the festival site. | 
