Mela returns to Southall with wall of colour and sound

THE 17th London Mela is back with a bang as it returns to Southall Park for two days of South Asian music, dance, food and culture this weekend.

Southall, heart of the South Asian community since the 1950s, is a thriving hub of culture all year, but when the Mela comes to town it goes one further.

It becomes the biggest South Asian festival this side of Mumbai.

Saturday’s headliner is Canadian pop-reggae-r&b fusion artist Raghav, while Dhol Academy returns for another mix of sound and image to close the Mela.

The festival boasts one of the biggest Asian food markets in London, Taste of Asia, with hundreds of dishes on offer throughout the park.

The Magic Mela family area returns with activities including the cricket simulator and climbing wall, while a funfair will attract many visitors.

Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1
1-8pm Saturday, 1-9pm Sunday
Southall Park, Uxbridge Road UB1 3BT
www.londonmela.org