Celebrate the best of South Asian culture, with live music, dance, film and fashion alongside market and craft stalls and a mouthwatering choice of food and drink at six outdoor melas this summer. The melas will be taking place countrywide in Bradford, Leicester, Slough, Croydon, Leeds and Edinburgh.

Each Mela has a distinctive theme with a wide variety of acts. This year's Bradford mela, which took place between 21-22 June 2003, headlined acts included Apache Indian, Lemar, Malkit Singh and a host of other entertainment including the Mela Market, Children's Entertainment Area and Sports Zones where visitors could try their hand at everything from Kwick Cricket to Kabuddi.

At the Leicester Mela, which takes place from 12-13 July, the Carnvialesque theme will allow the crowds to live it up Rio style with a wide range of dance, music and craft activities. Slough's mela on 20th July headline acts include chart topper Rishi Rich and Legacy alongside International Superstar singers Sofia and Shezad and Roy. On the same day Croydon is set to delight with the return of The Asli Bollywood Band and Loveleena both favourites with the home crowd and Panjabi MC as well as a fun fair and all day community events.

Leeds Mela on 3rd August will have a wide range of music and arts including top Bhangra acts with details to be confirmed. Finishing off the season of summer fun is the Edinburgh Mela on 29-30th August 2003 with most details to be confirmed but expect a true grand finale for the festivities!

MELA SCHEDULE

Bradford International Mela
Date: 21st - 22nd June 2003
Venue: Peel Park, Bradford
Times: 12pm - 8pm
Price: Free Event
Line Up: Apache Indian, Lemar, RDB and Future World Funk plus others

Leicester Mela
Date: 12th - 13th July 2003
Venue: Abbey Park, Leicester
Times: 12pm - 8pm
Price: Free Event
Line Up: Carnivalesque theme, acts to be confirmed

Slough Mela
Date: 20th July 2003
Venue: Upton Park, Slough
Times: 12pm - 8pm
Price: Free Event
Line Up: Rishi Rich and Legacy, RDB, SK1 and International stars Sofia and Shezad Roy plus others

Croydon Mela
Date: 20th July 2003
Venue: Lloyd Park, Croydon
Times: 12pm - 8pm
Price: Free Event
Line Up: Panjabi MC, Asi Bollywood Band and Rishi Rich plus other.
Click here for more details.

Leeds Mela
Date: 3rd August 2003
Venue: Roundhay Park, Leeds
Times: 12pm - 8pm
Price: Free Event
Line Up: Acts to be confirmed

Edinburgh Mela
Date: 29h August - 31at August 2003
Venue: Pilrig Park, Edinburgh
Times: 12pm - 8pm
Price: Free Event
Line Up: Acts to be confirmed