Mela is back with a bang! (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Mela is back with a bang!

8:14pm Sunday 15th June 2008 in News By Tanya O'Rourke

World-class artists wowed the crowds at this year's sun-drenched Mela.

More than 100,000 people were expected at the annual extravaganza in Bradford's Peel Park, taking in the sights and sounds of music, dance, cuisine from across the globe, wandering acts and market stalls.

Acts included Bhangra Latina, a performance which was produced by Kuljit Bhamra who worked on hit musical Bombay Dreams.

Jah Wobble headlined the World Stage last night with eclectic world and traditional folk music.

There was also a performance by Lo Souls, a Bradford based trio of MCs and DJ who won the talent competition BradFactor last year.

In the Kala Sangam tent a group of young dancers performed a traditional Muslim bridal dance from South India.

The Oppana dance is performed by the bridal party the day before a wedding when friends come round to visit.

The dancers are all under 16 and some are working towards dance awards or aiming to become professional.

Rashmi Sudhir, learning and access manager for the group, said: "We also have a classical dancer.

"We've been doing a mixture of different dances it's attracting quite a crowd.

"It's interesting to see so many young people here.

"We usually get a lot of families but this year there seem to be more teenagers and young adults which is really nice."

More than 200 market stalls sold toys, jewellery, and clothes.

Azra Khan, a Bradford freelance make-up artist, set up a stall offering mehndi tattoos.

She said: "Its a traditional practice but it's become really fashionable. It's my first time at the Mela. The weather could have been nicer though, all the equipment keeps getting blown about but people really seem to be enjoying themselves."

Among visitors to the Mela was Shahi Noorjahan, of Barkerend Road, Bradford, who said: "We came here because of my son. We've just been looking at the stalls, all the clothes and jewellery are beautiful.

"We saw some belly dancers earlier. We all really enjoyed it, myself, my three-year-old son and my husband.

"We come here every year and it's the first time I've seen belly dancers. I wouldn't miss the Mela."

A children's area, new this year, offered youngsters the chance to take a trip around the world.

They checked in at Destination Earth, collected their passports and began their journey across the globe, visiting central Asian Yurt tents, flying across to Baluchistan in Pakistan and the Punjabs in India and across to Bangladesh.

Also on the map were Australia, Africa, South America and the Caribbean, each place with a different activity to try.

There was also a sports arena where people could join in the football skills masterclass or try their hands on the rugby football league inflatable.

Last year's Mela had to be cancelled after the park became flooded following torrential rain.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, Bradford Council's executive member for environment and culture, said of this year's event: "It looks like it's come back with a wham.

"It was on a roll before and after we had to cancel last year's because of the weather people are really excited that the Mela is back.

"Everybody's spirits have been really high all weekend and it's all gone according to plan.

"It shows how much hard work everyone has put in."

Trisha Lowth, of Haworth, was visiting the Mela for the first time with her husband. She said: "We're having a fantastic time. The people are all really friendly and everywhere you walk there's a smile. I can't believe we get such good entertainment here and for free."

Last night Omar Puente played the electric violin on the World Stage.

He is the husband of Debbie Purdy, an MS sufferer, of Undercliffe, Bradford, who last week won a legal challenge to have the UK law on assisted suicide clarified.

She is worried that her husband could be arrested if he helps her travel to a Swiss clinic to die if her condition becomes unbearably painful.

She said: "I think it was great. Omar's set went down really well and there were a lot of people milling about.

"Everybody seems to have really enjoyed it."

e-mail: tanya.orourke@telegraphandargus.co.uk

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