Eastleigh Music Festival and Eastleigh Mela

Friday 11 - Sun 13 July

With the Mela only taking place on Sunday, visitors are invited to enjoy confi rmed acts for the weekend include Seth Lakeman, Nick Harper, Max Pashm, N’Faly Kouyate & Dunyakan and there are many more still to be announced. This year the Mela will be extended into the evening. The night is free and includes N’Faly & Dunyakan, Max Pashm & Kasbia Knights and many acts throughout the day including The Huckleberries & Tzee & the Africa Beyond Band. Leigh Road Recreation Ground, The Point, Eastleigh, Fri – Sun 10am – 9pm, £14/8 Concessions for Friday’s Concert, under 16’s have to be accompanied by adults, otherwise free

Oldham Festival of Diversity

Saturday 12th July – 13th August 2008

Oldham Mela takes place Sunday 13th July in Alexandra Park, 1pm – 9pm,
no door charge. This years’ Festival of Diversity has just got bigger and better thanks to the commitment of people from across the Borough. The Festival promises something for everyone during the fi ve weeks of community culture celebrations: Oldham Family Mela, Oldham Pride, National Play Day, Disability Awareness Day Oldham Community Performance Week at Coliseum Theatre, community street parties, New writing and community performances from Peshkar, Intergenerational sports and youth lead events. A whole host of community activity in a whole host of Oldham community locations.

Croydon Mela

Sun 13 July

Acts faturing in this year’s Mela include: Sukshinder Shinda: A gifted singer, composer and producer with an impressive string of hits across the world, Sukshinder Shinda has been a force on the Asian music scene for over 15 years. Shinda won Best Act and Best Album at the 2008 UK Asian Music Awards. The Dhol Blasters – True Roots & Colours of Punjab: After banging their drums with UB40 at Live8, The Dhol Blasters are coming to Croydon. This youthful team of vibrant dhol drummers and Bhangra dancers, led by King Gurcharan Mall, described as the “most famous dhol player of all time”, they have already earned themselves gold and platinum discs. Their bright Punjabi costumes and energetic drumming are enough to make anyone want to dance.

Southampton Mela Festival

Sat 19 July

The Festival is back to spice up the city! Once again Hoglands Park will come to life with the colours, sounds and smells from the South-Asian continent, as people from the local and surrounding communities get together to have fun and celebrate traditional and modern South-Asian culture in this free festival. This year, the event has also joined forces with the K2 Festival organisers. It will offer:

Live music and dance on the main stage - styles ranging from South Asian Classical, Folk, World Music, Qawwali, Asian fusion, Bhangra to Bollywood Workshops and Demonstrations in Music & Dance and Arts & Crafts Family fun with a range of Arts & Crafts activities, a designated play area and a funfair Stalls - varying from ethnic clothes and accessories, beauty and henna hand tattooing, arts & crafts, community and much more. Hoglands Park, SO14 1NH, Southampton, 12 – 9pm, free, events@southampton.gov.uk