Luton Mela 2015

Indi and the Vegas, New Groove Formation, Exit Black, Signature, Navin Kundra, Punjabi MC, Siemy Di, Res Publica

The history of Mela is a long and colourful one. Originating from South Asia, the word ‘Mela’ traditionally comes from the Sanskrit ‘To Meet’. Mela’s were an opportunity for families and communities to come together to celebrate religious, cultural or artistic events.

A Mela meaning ‘festival’ beautifully describes an exciting summer outdoor event with an emphasis on cultural and artistic programme. They feature a mix of music, food, and information as well as all the fun of the fair. Mela’s are an excellent opportunity for the whole community to come together and celebrate irrespective of ethnic background. They provide a crucial link with the community and offer organization a valuable opportunity to target a captive audience.

The first Luton mela took place in August 2000 and has developed into one of the most significant and well attended south Asian cultural events in the eastern region.

As well as exceptional entertainment (with both local, international and national artists), a showcase for the diverse communities of the town. The event also features a popular variety marquee. A children’s zone with fun activities, art, crafts, a variety of stalls and a vast array of food all of which attracted 22,000 attendees in 2014.

The Luton Mela is organised by a group of local volunteers whose aim is to bring harmony within the community through arts.

This year see's the events 15th Anniversary and to celebrate the event will be bigger than ever. A fusion of Music and dance from South Asia and across the world over two stages and two days.

Stage 1 will see International artists that you would expect to see at the Luton Mela, big names from the world of Bhangra along with fusion. Stage 2 will see an alternative group of acts covering Rock, Indie, Ska, Reggae, Jazz and Soul with a few surprises thrown in.

The Luton Mela is free and open to all communities and is truly a family event with bouncy castles, fairground and kids zone which includes a petting zoo and magician.

We will finish Sunday night by bringing the fireworks back to Luton.

For the quickest way of staying up to date with the announcements of this years headliners and artists then visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1445666942397958/