Programme Information

One of Europe's largest outdoor Asian festivals, the London Mela – which last year attracted a record-breaking 83,000 people – is set to transform Gunnersbury Park, Ealing, on Sunday 8 August. The free, family-friendly festival will be a mela haven, with multiple zones, offering a plethora of activities, food, DJs, dance, visual arts and some of the best homegrown and international artists.

BBC Asian Network has programmed the Main Stage, which will be hosted by the station's Tommy Sandhu, Sonia Deol, Noreen Khan and Murtz. This year, it showcases performances from Indian-American music star, and Bally Sagoo protégée, Gunjan, with hits such as Noorie, Kawan, Aaap Ki Nazron and Naiyon Dil Lagda; and Bollywood favourite Javed Ali of Ranjha Ranjha fame. Rishi Rich, H Dhami and Mumzy will also exclusively perform tracks from their new albums and PBN featuring Heera and Daljit Mattu; and Shah Rukh Khan's favourite artist of the moment, Raghu Dixit, will also perform.

The BBC Asian Network Mix Tent is back at the Mela, this year hosted by Nihal, and features sets from a selection of the station's DJ talent.

For the first time ever, BBC Introducing hosts a stage at the London Mela. BBC Introducing supports unsigned, undiscovered and under-the-radar artists across the BBC. The initiative is multi-platform across BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio 1Xtra, the Asian Network, Switch, over 35 BBC Local Radio stations and at bbc.co.uk/introducing – all working together to provide an internal network dedicated to showcasing the hottest new talent from across the UK. Hosted by BBC Asian Network's Bobby Friction, the London Mela BBC Introducing Stage sees performances from some of the best under-the-radar and emerging Asian talent and some very special guests.

BBC Radio Programme Information talks to Tommy Sandhu and Noreen Khan about their memories of London Melas and what they are most looking forward to about this year's event.

Tommy Sandhu, BBC Asian Network

East-End boy Tommy Sandhu began his career as the voice on ITV's Blind Date, replacing "our Graham", after Tommy's appearance as a contestant on the show.

His DJing experience encompasses performances at swish London venues and celebrity parties for the likes of the Beckhams, Elton John and Joan Collins.

Tommy is currently the Gadget Guru on BBC World's Fast Track. He joined BBC Asian Network in 2008, and currently hosts the Weekday Breakfast Show.

Have you attended the London Mela in previous years?

I've been attending Melas in London since I was a kid – the highlight for us was watching all the top Kabaddhi wrestlers that had come over for a bout from India. It was also great when they had a funfair ... happy days!

Why do you think the London Mela has proved so popular since it first began in 2003?

This particular London Mela has grown to be the biggest in the capital simply because of what it offers the local Asian community: A chance to get together (for all the family) and hang out in what feels like a slice of life back home; the music, the food, the banter ... it's as authentic an Asian experience as you'll find anywhere in India or Pakistan.

What makes the London Mela different to other Melas in the UK?

Diversity; London is known as the home of a huge variety of Asian people, there's more in the capital than anywhere in else in the UK. So you get all these people together with a universal happy occasion (like the Mela) and you've got the best excuse to party. London creates a Mela that's a masala of cultures bursting with flavour, and everyone's welcome to try it out.

Is there anyone you're particularly looking forward to seeing this year?

The line-up represents the vibrancy of the Asian music scene; not only with newcomers who are fusing genres and rocking the young crowds but also with legends in the scene, too. Apna Sangeet are there for a special performance; when they perform, I want to be in the middle of the crowd soaking up every drop of sound.

Are there any emerging artists to watch out for this year?

Yes, there's lots of talent coming through the ranks. I'm a big fan of fellow Londoner Mumzy Stranger, his vocal range from rapping to harmonies is world class. FOJI is another rookie. However, his last two monster songs have quickly set him firmly among the big boys. H-Dhami is still so young and talented, the crowds love him – he'll get all the girls screaming!

Why do you think the London Mela has proven so successful as an inter-culture family event?

People have recognised that the values that make Asian culture, be it Indian, Pakistani, Guajarati or anything else, are all fundamental to a strong community. We value family and respect elders – hard work is an ethic drilled into us from a young age. Combine that with integrity and loyalty, (and not forgetting great food and music) and you've got an event which everyone can buy into and feel a part of.

Does the London Mela truly have something to interest every generation of every community?

Without a doubt! I've seen kids aged nine weeks to folks aged 90! It combines that carnival-like atmosphere for the youngsters with a community feel. It's a chance for local residents and representatives to have their say; campaign for change; and make fellow locals aware of key issues, whatever they may be. The Mela is like a buffet cart of all things central to our lives – people can pick and choose the elements that are relevant to them.

Do you have any tips for those attending the London Mela 2010?

Yes, three tips: First, don't eat before you get there, there's more choice than you can imagine (even if you don't like spicy food). Secondly, join in the fun and games, leave your troubles behind and let the Mela take over. And, thirdly, don't use the port-a-loos; those things are not pretty by the end of the day!

How will BBC Asian Network be covering the London Mela 2010?

I'll be hosting the main stage and introducing the acts, plus I'm presenting all the BBC Red Button action, which will be available to watch from 16 August. We've also created our "Tommy-Time Scream-ometre" – Glasgow was noisy, Bradford had us rattled, Preston is still ringing in my ears. London better be ready to represent – I can't have my home town letting me down!

Noreen Khan, BBC Asian Network

A passion for music decided Noreen's career as a presenter. In 2003 she began hosting a local hospital radio show, before joining the Sonik Gurus to play keyboard. After touring the world as a musician, Noreen returned home, unpacked her bags and began presenting for the radio station Club Asia.

She joined BBC Asian Network in 2007 and took the helm of the Drivetime show in June 2010.

On television, Noreen hosts The Fizzy Quiz Show on Brit Asia.

Have you attended the London Mela in previous years? If so, what did you particularly enjoy about it?

I've been hosting the London Mela for the past three years and each year it gets better and stronger. I simply love interacting with the huge multicultural crowd and watching the live performances.

Why do you think the London Mela has proved so popular since it first began in 2003?

I think London Mela is popular because there's so much going on with all the different zones offering something for everyone. There's urban, classical and experimental music held on different stages, a specialised area for children and loads of stalls and arts displays.

What makes the London Mela different to other Melas in the UK?

London Mela is unique and different to other Melas firstly due to the scale of the event, and because of the diverse crowds it attracts. Mela goers from all over UK, not just London travel down to attend.

Is there anyone you're particularly looking forward to seeing this year?

I'm looking forward to seeing Javed Ali, who's a promising Bollywood playback singer and Gunjan.

Are there any emerging artists to watch out for this year?

Abbas Hassan is new on the scene and hails from the Rishi Rich Project, so it'll be good to see how he goes down with the crowd.

Why do you think the London Mela has proven so successful as an inter-culture family event?

Because it caters for children right through to adults with varied musical tastes, it has cross appeal.

Do you have any tips for those attending the London Mela 2010?

If you're attending the Mela for the first time expect a long day as you won't want to leave early, so wear sensible footwear, bring your shades and don't forget your cameras so you can take loads of pictures!

How will BBC Asian Network be covering the London Mela 2010?

The BBC Asian Network will be hosting the main stage, doing live shows backstage, mashing up beats in the Mix Tent and, for the first time, bringing listeners the BBC Introducing Stage. So we've got all bases covered and, as always, are committed to showcasing new emerging British Asian talent.