Must see: Manchester Mega Mela
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Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield - July 24 and 25, 2010
When we tell you that the Manchester Mega Mela is coming this weekend, it should give you two good reasons to smile.
Firstly, because the colourful splash of south Asian culture it adds to the annual summer festivals calendar is unparalleled in the city.
But secondly because, in all the years that the festival has run as a major event in Fallowfield’s Platt Fields Park, the organisers say their prayers for fine weather have always been answered.
Dig the sun cream and deck chairs back out then, people, because tomorrow the two-day celebration brings together south Asian stars, culture, sports and food in the heart of south Manchester – and if that’s not enough, there’s even a funfair.
Two stages boast music and performance with some of last year’s favourite live acts returning to the main stage (including Imran Khan and H-Dami) and a full programme of dance, drama and poetry in the Chai Serai marquee.
Likely to be a big draw on the main stage this year, though, is Preeya Kalidas, who quit the BBC soap EastEnders earlier this year to pursue her dreams of being a pop star.
Armed with an album billed by her label as a collection of ‘one-hit-and-you’re-smitten’ smashes, Preeya makes her live debut in the city tomorrow ahead of the release of her first single, Shimmy, on Monday.
“It’s total escapism,” says Preeya about her album. “A real brew of sexiness and ethnicity.
“I didn’t register it when I was very young but all the women who were most aspirational to me were non-Asian. One of my earliest memories was watching Madonna on Top Of The Pops, just entranced.
“I’ve always admired iconic, strong, talented women. That’s what it’s all been about. I am respectful of my heritage, but I want to play it out on my terms.”
She will, though, need to impress quick smart!
Because there’s a line-up longer than most mini festivals manage to cram in, including a slot from Preeya’s mate Mumzy Stranger – the guest star on Shimmy.
A street theatre programme is planned, plus there’s live Kabaddi – a popular contact sport in south Asia that combines wrestling, tag and enemy raids – and workshops in the arts and crafts marquee.
The Mela Bazaar also offers a mouthwatering food market and many stalls also selling traditional crafts.
Everything is ready, then. All that’s left to do is say a few prayers for sunshine...
Free entry.
Published: Fri, 23 July, 2010
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carol ahmad wrote:
Can't wait to see imran khan at mela, hope he will sing "Amplifier" ;-)