Thursday, July 8, 2004 17:00 BST
Southampton Mela 2003 | |
| | | | Up to 8,000 people from around the South turned up to enjoy the first Mela in Hoglands Park which featured performances from top Indian Classical and Asian Fusion musicians, DJs and leading Bollywood and Bhangra artists.
Held over nine hours, the festival offered the opportunity to explore the different South Asian cultures with music, food and fun - with everything on offer from Bhanghra Kareoke to music and dance workshops and yoga sessions.
 | | Nina Wadiia |
Star of TV comedy, Goodness Gracious Me, Nina Wadiia also leant her support:" I think Mela has been absolutely fantastic - you've got sunshine, crowds of people and there's so much to do. This is Southampton's first Mela and hopefully the first of many - it's huge and it's absolutely brilliant."
As well as the music, there was dance displays, stalls for henna, art and community groups as well as a wide range of Asian food. There was even a chance to read the news at the BBC South marquee.
 | | Music on the main stage |
The festival culminated with live music on the main stage in the evening sunshine. Musicians on the bill included Anuradha Shukla, Kausar Habib, Leeds brothers, RDB (Rhythm Dhol and Bass) as well as local DJs including Vinay Handa from Bomb Squad.
For Vinod Desai, Chief Executive of Art Asia, the festival was the culmination of 20 years work in promoting Asian arts in the City: "It brings all the communities together to enjoy themselves. We got support from so many people and organisations to bring it all together."
 Re-live the sights and sounds of Southampton Mela on our RealPlayer slide show
| | | |
|
|
