Mela Launches Links Location
THE EDINBURGH MELA FESTIVAL 2010 LAUNCHES
The Edinburgh Mela is getting ready for their new home at the Leith Links this August, with an innovative and exciting programme of dance, music, family entertainment and fabulous food to set the tone.
Edinburgh’s premiere festival of ethnic diversity, which takes place from the 6th – 8th August 2010, will be featuring big names such as UK Asian Music Awards' Best newcomer 2010 winner Jaz Dhami, Punjabi rapper and songwriter duo Bonafide and Asian pop sensation Taz from Stereo Nation. The Mela will also be producing a great programme of physical activity in conjunction with the Edinburgh Council's Festival of Sport. In addition, the ever popular children’s programme of traditional arts and crafts will be returning with a range of activities for the whole family.
This year, the Mela also presents two exciting new commissions. Naturally, Inspired is an outdoor collaboration between the Mela, the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival and the autumnal Storytelling Festival. This meditation on the landscapes of Scotland will take place in the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens and will feature a programme of music and storytelling. Cargo, a large scale outdoor performance which brings together imagery, physicality and a stunning soundtrack into a heart-felt meditation on migration and a place to call home, will be situated in the Leith Links’ dedicated large scale outdoor space . This important work is possible as a result of the Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund.
Liam Sinclair, the director of the Edinburgh Mela Festival, had the following to say about the 2010 programme: “This year’s programme has lots of new and exciting elements which are sure to be a big hit with Mela goers. The move to Leith Links has given us the opportunity to build on last year’s offering, bringing regulars and new Mela visitors even more variety in music, dance, food and workshops from a range of cultures.”
Tickets for the Mela, which means ‘The Gathering’ in ancient Sanskrit, can be found online here. You can also see the programme of events on the Mela website here.
