London Mela Returns to Gunnersbury Park

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But this year for the first time an entrance fee will be charged

The London Mela is Europe’s largest outdoor South Asian Festival with a vast programme of live entertainment and traditional Asian culture. This year’s event takes place on Sunday 6 September, 1-9pm, at Gunnersbury Park.

As well as showcasing a variety of music and dance styles, from classical to modern, the festival includes craft markets, children’s activities and food stalls with delicacies from around the world. Acts include Canadian singer/songwriter Raghav, known for his unique fusion of hip-hop, R&B, and Bollywood music. Also appearing is Imran Khan, currently number one in the Asian download chart, Tamil music sensation Benny Dayal and Arjun, known for his blend of contemporary Eastern and Western music. Headline acts on the BBC Asian Network stage include Zack Knight, Cold Fever and Sama Blake.

For the first time the event will be ticketed with adult tickets costing £6.50 and concessions at £4.50 with children under 12 tickets priced at £3.50.

An Ealing Council spokesperson said: “Regrettably, some of the Mela’s major funders have reduced their contributions this year. Rather than compromising on the quality of the event or needing to cancel altogether, it has been decided to charge an entry fee similar to other London events of this size.”

BBC Asian Network listeners can hear highlights from the London Mela on air through the week, with special programming from the festival from Friday in: Yasser, who is a champion of unsigned music (Fridays 9pm – 12am); Kan D Man & DJ Limelight, who are supporters of new Asian street artists and young UK talent (Saturdays, 9pm – 12am); and Panjabi Hit Squad, who are at the forefront of British-Asian music (Saturdays, 6 – 9pm). Highlights will also be available at www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork

To enable the delivery and removal of equipment and manage crowds safely, parking and access to the roads around Gunnersbury Park will be restricted between 7am and 9pm on the day of the event.

Parking along some of the roads surrounding the park will be restricted to residents only, while some will be closed to both residents and non-residents. Signs explaining parking arrangements will be displayed in all affected roads from Friday, 21 August.

Ealing Council has provided special Mela stickers for people living in affected roads to affix to the rear-view mirror on the inside of their car by 7pm Saturday, 5 September until 8am Monday, 7 September. The sticker will allow them to access roads open to residents only during restricted hours.

Leader of Ealing Council, Councillor Julian Bell, said, “We are always proud to host the London Mela. It promises to be another great day out for all the family. It will be packed full of great music, entertainment and food stalls. The finale show by Transe Express and the famous mela fireworks will be a fitting end to a huge line up of Ealing Summer events.”

September 1, 2015