Thousands of people are expected to attend a vibrant Mela festival in Leicester next weekend, for the first time in two years.
Leicester Belgrave Mela Festival is back on Sunday, August 21, after being put on hold due to Covid-19.
The free family event, is set to feature a glittering mix of live music, dance, food, fashion arts and culture.
There’ll also be a chance for people to indulge in delicious Indian cuisine from across the Indian subcontinent, to shop in the Mela Bazarre, and enjoy live entertainment on the main stage. A host of local performers and well known stars will grace the stage, in Humberstone Gate, including the Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band.
The Grand Indian Circus will also be among those thrilling the crowd.
Pravin Mistry, Festival Director, said that he was looking forward to seeing the community come together again at the popular event, which has been running since 1982.
“It’s nice to be back after two years and to get back to a little bit of normality,” he told Pukaar.
“It’s a great platform for community groups, singers, artists, stallholders, and a place for families to come along and have a good time.
“There’s always a nice community atmosphere – lots of smiles, lots of good energy… I just hope the weather’s nice!” he added.
Leicester Belgrave Mela is being supported by Leicester City Council.
It will run between 11-6pm in the city centre.
“We are delighted to see the Mela back on the streets of Leicester this year as it brings colour, excitement and life to the city,” said Mike Dalzell, the city council’s director of tourism, culture and inward investment.
“This summer marks 50 years since the expulsion of thousands of people from Uganda who went on to make Leicester their home. Joyous occasions like the Mela remind us of what we have all gained.”
To find out more about the event, visit: https://www.leicester-mela.co.uk/
