London Mela 2007 takes place on Sunday 12th August 2007 in Gunnersbury Park. As in previous years, the main stage will feature upcoming British Asian talent, established acts that have inspired today’s performers and international artists. There will also be a classical stage, the indo-electronica stage, the community and cabaret stage, London Flavas presented by BBC Radio 1’s Bobby and Nihal, and the BBC Asian Network stage.

Other zones include Magic Mela for children, the marketplace with food and cultural stalls, and a funfair. And as ever, expect the unexpected at London Mela as street artists and circus performers make their way around the 30 acre site.

MELA TRILOGY

The entire trilogy, which catapults iconic mela instruments into the 21st century, will be presented at this year’s event – including the premiere of the final instalment, Sitar Rhapsody. A new commission for London Mela, Sitar Rhapsody pays tribute to Freddie Mercury’s Indian connections. The performance combines classical musicianship with a dash of kitsch to provide a mela twist to a rock classic. There will also be a chance to see the first and second instalments of the mela trilogy. The first – In the Dhol Drums – resulted in Walk the Plank and the Dhol Academy creating the world’s largest dhol drum, which opens up to reveal an entire troupe. And the second part – Tabla Blah Blah – combines live performance, soundscapes and visuals performed by leading Tabla expert Pandit Sharada Sahai and DJ and broadcaster Bobby Friction.

GRAND FINALE

This year’s grand finale teams up the Godfather of British Asian Urban music, Pandit Dinesh, with Afro-Latin jazz pianist Kishon Khan. Since both musicians have worked with Cuban artists, their performance will be funky, inspiring and uplifting – complete with percussion and pyrotechnics.

CREATIVE SHOWCASE

This year’s mela will be showcasing the cutting-edge work of award-winning Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company and aerial work from Scarabeus. Festival organisers also continue to work closely with Akademi, Emergency Exit Arts and the Sangeet College, programming new and emerging artists.