Leicester Belgrave Mela hailed a success
The 25th anniversary of the Leicester Belgrave Mela, presented by Star Plus (supported by BizAsia.co.uk), attracted a record number of spectators.
The free outdoor event, which was held on Sunday (10th July) included the Jaipur Kawa Brass Band, who had been flown in especially for the event, dazzling crowds on stage and on the city centre streets with their live music, dance and trickery.
Famous Bollywood soul band Botown mesmerized audiences their fusion of jazz, funk and Indian beats while ��Trunk�۪ the giant puppet elephant marched up and down the streets entertaining delighted children.
Famous Rangoli artists from India inscribed names of the public into their creative street art, while families were invited to take part in a whole host of free arts activities.
Celebrity performances came from the likes of boy band 3Mix, JK, Ash King, Arjun on the main stage, which provided everything from Bollywood and Belly dancing, to beat boxers and Bhangra. Stage 25 at Clock Tower was a platform for local groups and emerging artists to showcase their talent ��� something which the Mela has always prided itself on, promoting and encouraging young performer.
This year�۪s festival was presented by Star Plus, officially the number one South Asian television station in the UK, who will broadcast the event worldwide in the coming weeks.
Yeshpal Sharma, Vice President, Star UK & Europe said, “We are very pleased to extend our support to the 25th Anniversary of the Leicester mela. Famous for being the first event of its kind here in the UK, the Leicester Belgrave Mela is one of the most anticipated melas and the largest free community event. The Mela was a phenomenal success and we look forward to a continued association.”
Pravin Mistry, festival organizer, said, “The music, dance, food, fashion and culture are what makes Leicester Belgrave Mela the fantastic experience it is and today�۪s event was the perfect way to celebrate our monumental 25th anniversary. The sun stayed out for us which meant people from across Leicester and the whole of the country were able to come and experience South Asian arts and Indian culture like never before. A huge thank you to all our supporters, staff, the multi-agency team and all the volunteers ��� we really couldn�۪t do it without them.”
The 2011 Leicester Belgrave Mela was supported by Leicester City Council and Arts Council England and sponsored by Star Plus, Lebara Mobile, Sandicliffe Ford, BizAsia.co.uk, Mirch Masla, BBC Asian Network, BBC Radio Leicester and Sabras Radio.
