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2004’s event is the tenth Edinburgh Mela – which has come a long way since its beginning at Meadowbank in 1995. Founded by Edinburgh’s south Asian communities, Edinburgh Mela is about bringing together people from many different cultures to celebrate the breadth and depth of Scotland’s cultural diversity.

2004 sees the involvement of several new partners, including Chilean musicians Voces del Sur, Audability, the Nepal Scotland Association and the Welcoming (musical welcoming for refugees and asylum seekers), and with the Stills Gallery and the Royal Museum. Existing collaborations have been developed, resulting in a visit from the spectacular Rang Puhar Dance Troupe from Gujarat, the return of the Rajasthani puppets and Bangladeshi artists Rahul Das and Imran Hossain, and a reunion of musicians from round the world in the Cairn Energy Chai Serai Marquee of musical adventure!

Sunday night’s main evening concert – Mela Jula – is a celebration of music and dance from the sub-contintent. Featuring the UK debut of the extremely talented and versatile Niazi Brothers from Pakistan, dynamic young Indian singer Gunjan Singh and Bangladesh’s leading pop, folk and fusion group the Anaries, there is also a strong supporting cast including stars from Channel 4’s Bollywood Idols, to make up a variety show which will have something to appeal to everyone.

Other highlights include Stereo Nation, pioneers of the UK crossover music revolution, combining a potent mixture of Punjabi folk, Hindi and English combined with western pop, infectious melodies and dance grooves.

There is Sukhian, a special event just for women on Friday, with an all female line-up of musicians, singers and poets, professional and community artists.

On Saturday and Sunday, from noon till 6pm there will be a non-stop programme for young people on Vip’s Entertainment Ronak Stage, with DJs, Bhangra and dance.

There is an exciting new installation for children – The Trans Asia Trek - where young adventurers can trek round the six “towns” in our mini Asia and take part in activities including junk toymaking, digital photography, music, dance, storytelling, craft activity, kite making and kite flying.

There will also be the regular elements which make Edinburgh Mela such a rich and popular experience - a dazzling, colourful display of international and local talent and culture - musicians, dancers, street performers and processions, artists, crafts, fashion, multicultural bazaar, food and sports.

Chief Executive Alan Tweedie said :

Edinburgh Mela is not only a major event in the South Asian calendar, but after 10 years of growth it is also an important event in the Edinburgh year. We are looking forward to the next 10 years as our celebration adds more colour and adventure to the Scottish scene.

Watch out also for the Bollywood Dreams Raffle. Sponsored by Lufthansa and Tourism Co-operative India, there is a Weekend for Two in Mumbai as the first prize! Tickets can be bought in advance and at the weekend.

You can even see the International Festival Fireworks from Pilrig Park, after the Sunday night concert. The perfect way to end Edinburgh’s summer festival season.

For more press information, to arrange interviews, photographs etc please call Morag Neil on 0131 557 5918 or 0771 288 0965

Details

Edinburgh Mela

Pilrig Park (off Leith Walk)

Friday 3 September (evening performance only)

Saturday 4 - Sunday 5 September 2004 (noon – 9pm)

Entrance and most events are free

Highlights Listings

Sukhian Fri 3 Sep, 6-9pm £2

Fashion Show Sat 4, Sun 5 Sep, 1pm £3 (£1.50)

Stereo Nation Sat 4 Sep, 6.45pm £10*

Mela Jula Sun 5 Sep, 6pm £6*

The Trans Asia Trek Sat 4, Sun 5 Sep, noon – 5pm free

Rang Puhar Dance Troupe Sat 4, Sun 5 Sep, various times free

Ronak Stage Sat 4, Sun 5 Sep, noon – 6pm free

These listings do not show all the groups and there will be many more performances throughout the weekend, on the three stages and in the park.

Tickets for ticketed events can be bought in advance from 0131 228 1155

Special offer – Stereo Nation and Mela Jula – 5 for the price of 4 if bought by Thurs 2 Sep.

For more information call 0131 557 1400 or visit www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk

Note to Editors

Edinburgh Mela is Scotland's biggest intercultural festival, annually transforming Pilrig Park into a unique intercultural tented village in the heart of Edinburgh.

It was founded in 1995 by members of Edinburgh’s Pakistani, Indian and Bangladeshi communities, and one of its key objectives from the outset was to reflect and celebrate Scotland’s cultural diversity, while retaining its roots in the South Asian communities. In 2003 more than 40,000 people attended events at Pilrig Park and many more caught some of the acts when they were out and about in shopping centres and schools.

Key sponsors of the 2004 Edinburgh Mela include:

City of Edinburgh Council Scottish Arts Council

Scottish Executive (One Scotland, Many Cultures) Cairn Energy

Indian Council for Cultural Relations NHS Health Scotland

Tourism Co-operative (India) Lufthansa

BBC Radio Scotland Western Union

Queen Margaret University College

Edinburgh Mela, The Arts Quarter, Gateway Theatre, Elm Row, Edinburgh EH7 4AH

Tel 0131 557 1400 email info@edinburgh-mela.co.uk web www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk