London Mela
A free outdoor multi arts festival with stages, tents, workshops and installations combined with satellite events prior to, during and post the event – inspired by the culture and creativity of South Asia, the London Mela re-invents traditional village festivals and fairs – combining artistic interpretation from across the Diaspora, from the offspring of Bhojpuri indentured laborers to the Sikh farmers of California, from spoilt rich kids of the Delhi suburbs to the Indian factory workers of 1960’s London – the London Mela embraces all these influences and reinvents Mela with its heart and sole in passionate performance which arouses interests and creates a collective debate.
Photographers credit : Kois Miah and copyright London Mela.
The London Mela is on a journey – and that journey could take us anywhere – it works because we collaborate, partner up and work closely with people we like and that have a collective vision. On the one hand it’s a playground where former accountancy, medicine, or management students suddenly chuck all that behind them and become actors, DJ’s and dancers….. Its amazing how many people who work or perform in the Mela follow their intuition…and on the other hand it’s a non elitist, independent, free-gathering of tens of thousands of people, re-acquainting themselves, meeting new friends and just all celebrating collectively on mass…it’s the Kumbh Mela without the Sadhus, its Glastonbury without the drugs and it’s the Burning Man Festival without the heat!
Now in its sixth year, the London Mela has grown to be regarded, nationally and internationally, as one of the more significant event of its kind. It's a truly family-friendly event, and one for all of London to enjoy. A world class event for a world class city!
Photographer: James O' Jenkins, copyright London Mela
The 2007 Mela is on Sunday 12 August in Gunnersbury Park. The main stage will feature upcoming British Asian talent, establsihed acts that have inspired today's performers and international artists. Also there are classical, indo-electronica, community and cabaret stages. With 10 zones, 6 stages and 450 performers this is a big event!
click here for recent New York Times article about London Mela
click here for recent Telegraph artcle about London Mela
Principal sponsors Barclays, Sahara India Pariwar and bmi. Main stage produced in partnership with BBC Asian Network.
Supported by BBC Radio One, BBC London and the Arts Council England.
Sponsored by RSPCA, Waitrose, Western Union, Unison and Continental Drift Music.
Zee TV and worksfm.com are media partners.
Espirro has developed with the support of Visiting Arts
and Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.
The London Mela is supported by the Mayor of London and produced
by Ealing Council in partnership with Hounslow Council.