The Edinburgh Mela is billed as the Scotland's biggest multicultural festival.
It was set up in 1995 by the Capital's Pakistani, Indian and Bangladeshi communities, and has since evolved into a celebration of cultures and traditions from across the globe, including China, Africa and South America.
Melas are held across the UK, having first been established in the 1980s, and are designed to break down barriers between different races and ethnic groups.
One of the main purposes of the Mela is to give a stage to British-based performers who may not otherwise get a chance to appear before such large crowds.
As well as singers, dancers and performers, the cultural extravaganza will also feature a bazaar selling clothes, fabrics, jewellery and crafts .
Information © The Scotsman,
31 August 2006, ADRIAN MATHER