Thousands enjoy music, art and food at Mela

Thousands of people have attended a celebration of Asian culture, now in its 12th year in the West Midlands.

The Sandwell & Birmingham Mela South Asian music festival features “an eclectic mix of pop, folk and classical music from around the globe,” organizers said.

This year there were female-led headliners for the first time – Sunanda Sharma on Sunday and Harshdeep Kaur on Saturday, with both making their debut performances at this Mela.

The event at Victoria Park in Smethwick included dance displays and arts and crafts activities.

More than 50,000 people were expected over Saturday and Sunday.

Nearly a quarter of the festival’s audience comes from non-Asian communities, organizers said before this year’s event.

Speaking at the site this weekend, DJ Amrita said: “I think it brings everyone together, not just for the Asian community.

“I think you see all different communities at the Mela. We have different musicians, artists that you see here, different food.”

It was one of the largest Melas outside India and was known for “championing new works, showcasing international talent and providing a platform for emerging British artists,” organizers said.

Artistic director Shine Duggal said: “We tend to attract mainly a Punjabi audience, but our audiences are becoming more diverse and our programs are becoming more diverse as well.

“I think this is a great event to encourage community cohesion, to celebrate diversity.”

The shopping bazaar has 70 outlets and more than 20 street food vendors have been at the site.

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