The East of England’s biggest Asian music event is back, and will be bigger and better than ever!
Luton Mela 2012 is being staged over two days in Wardown Park as part of the spectacular Love Luton Festival.
Wardown Park will come alive with the very best in Asian music, culture and artistic performances at Wardown Park from 12noon-10pm on Saturday, 7 July and then again from 7pm-10pm on Sunday, 8 July.
Luton Mela 2012 will showcase renowned local, national and international South Asian performers featuring Bhangra, Bollywood, Qawwali and Bangla sounds as well as Asian urban and fusion music.
Dance acts, dhol performances and amazing circus treats are other highlights of the family showcase.
This year’s Mela will incorporate other cultural performances showcasing true community cohesion and bringing harmony through artistry which is why it forms part of the Love Luton Festival.
Not only will the cream of UK Asian music be performing on the stage, they will also be joined by international artists from Canada, Rajasthan and the Punjab. This will include the likes of Sona Walia, Mumzy Stranger, Junai Kaiden, Dhol Enforcement Agency, Culture Shock, Jaz Dhami, Roach Killah, Tasha Tah, Ramee and Char Avell, Aman Hayer, Angrej Ali, plus the one and only Apache Indian.
Home grown local talent and community groups will also be showcasing cultural arts at the event.
Jitty Marwaha, from Luton Mela, said: “The Luton Mela aims to enhance understanding between the different communities in Luton by presenting the artistic diversity of South Asia and other cultures. The Mela is pleased to be part of the Love Luton Festival and the celebrations of London 2012 with the Olympic torch coming through Luton.”
Cllr Mohammed Ashraf, Executive Member with responsibility for arts and leisure said: “The Luton Mela has a reputation for showcasing professional international, national and local Asian artists for free. There’s always a great family atmosphere at the Mela and a brilliant opportunity to raise the profile of Asian cultures and other communities. It is one of the many events not to be missed at the Love Luton Festival.“
Luton Mela is organised by local volunteers and is a community led event, this year supported by Arts Council England, Luton Borough Council and community businesses.
The Love Luton Festival takes place from 6-9 July. Tickets for Olly Murs and The Wanted, two of Britain’s biggest chart-topping performers, are still available for just £15 each.
Also at the Love Luton 2012 Festival will be a huge range of activities including Luton Carnival, school games, music, comedy, dance and a special Olympic Torch parade and celebration.
The University of Bedfordshire are platinum sponsors of the festival, while Heart FM, Motorbodies, The Mall and Walls have signed up to the gold packages. Noble Solicitors are the official legal sponsors of the weekend.
For up-to-the-minute information about the festival follow @lutoncouncil on Twitter using the hashtag #LutonFestival and like ‘Love Luton 2012 Festival’ on Facebook.