Colourful Mela event returns to town centre
THE streets of Loughborough are to erupt with a fusion of light and sound as the annual Mela event is to return to town this weekend.
On Sunday, August 13, musicians, dancers, drummers and food vendors will flock to the Market Place for the event which looks to celebrate the town’s cultural and ethnic diversity.
Over the years, Loughborough Mela has risen in prominence from a small event into a popular date in the summer calendar.
The Loughborough Mela is a wide partnership comprising the ethnic minority communities in the town.
It is presented by Charnwood Borough Council, Human Rights & Equalities Charnwood, John Storer Charnwood, Charnwood Arts and other community groups and individuals in the area.
This year’s event is to host: Bangladeshi musicians Amith Dey and Sajeda Kamal Shefali, traditional South Asian drummers DE A Dhol, Chinese musical performers Euphoria China Arts and Bollywood musicians Kadam Verma.
They are to be joined by Nupur Arts Dance Academy and R&R Productions.
As well as the acts, there will be fairground rides, children’s activities, stalls and lots of food for sale.
The Samosa Wallah, a company started by two friends that met at Loughborough University in 1986, will also be in attendance.
The aim is that all visitors will find something to entertain them at the free event which runs from 10am until 5pm.
An event spokesperson said: “Loughborough Mela organisers and the committee strive to attract visitors from the various villages in the country, giving people the perfect opportunity to experience South Asian arts and culture in all its diverse and colourful forms.
“The aim of the event is to showcase Asian culture and heritage, and link it back to its roots whilst strengthening community and supporting local artists, businesses and community groups.”
For more information, search @LoughboroughMela on Facebook.