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MELA 2023
8 Sep, 2023 - 9 Sep, 2023
Nottingham’s South Asian Festival of Art and Culture returns to NAE this September.
MELA 23 LAUNCH CELEBRATION
FRIDAY 8 SEPT 6-8PM FREE, PLEASE BOOK YOUR TICKET IN ADVANCE
Join us for the official launch of Mela 23. Find out about the festival programme, enjoy delicious food and amazing music by Harkiran & Harminder Sahota. Ranging from Indian classical to Bollywood, to folk and some familiar popular songs with a modern twist from the iconic Sitar and Tabla duo. Featuring a solo performance by NAAC student Kamna.
KINAARA LIVE
FRIDAY 8 SEPT 7.30-9.30PM AGES 18+ TICKETS £10 EACH, PLEASE BOOK IN ADVANCE
Enjoy songs of the Punjab, folk from the British Isles and original tracks infused with Indian classical music motifs and melodies, filtered through a jazzy indie folk mixer. A musical patchwork of cultures and influences.
MELA YOGA
SATURDAY 9 SEPT 9-10AM AGES 18+ FREE, PLEASE BOOK YOUR TICKET IN ADVANCE
Led by Anand Parekh of Hot Yoga Nottingham, this Hatha yoga session combines gentle stretches, controlled breathing, and mindful postures to harmonize the body and mind. Participants will embark on a holistic journey, delving into the rich traditions of Hatha yoga while embracing their inner serenity. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner seeking rejuvenation, this session promises a blissful escape into a realm of relaxation and self-discovery.
Please bring a yoga mat and water
MELA ART CLUB
SATURDAY 9 SEPT 10AM-1PM AGES 4+ FREE, NO NEED TO BOOK JUST DROP IN
Saturday Art Club returns with a Mela Takeover! Join visual artist Ismail Khokon in expressing your creativity through South Asian-inspired themes and practices.
BOOK LAUNCH : ANTARCTICA TO ZIMBABWE, ARUNA BHAYANI
SATURDAY 9 SEPT 10AM-4PM FREE, NO NEED TO BOOK JUST DROP IN
The memoir of a passionate traveller’s life journey around the world. Aptly called Antarctica to Zimbabwe with extensive globetrotting to countries covering the alphabet and amounting to 128 destinations.
Join the Author during Mela to discuss her book and perhaps your own journeys.
FAMILY BHANGRA
SATURDAY 9 SEPT 11AM-12PM FREE, NO NEED TO BOOK JUST DROP IN
A family-friendly activity, suitable for all ages. Award-winning Bhangra dance performance artist, Vijay Mehay will take you through an energetic and fun family Bhangra session, suitable for everyone.
SOUNDS OF THE DHOL
SATURDAY 9 SEPT 12.10PM OUTSIDE IN FRONT OF THE NAE STREET GALLERY
A family-friendly performance, suitable for all ages. Join Harjinder Matharu and the Dhol Students of NAAC, as they welcome Nottingham into NAE with the unique and traditional sounds of the Dhol.
MELA DRUMS
SATURDAY 9 SEPT 1-2pm FREE, PLEASE BOOK YOUR TICKET IN ADVANCE
A family-friendly activity, suitable for all ages. Led by classically trained master and guru, Harjinder Matharu, you will have the opportunity to try your hand at traditional Indian drumming.
A JOURNEY WITH COMICS
SATURDAY 9 SEPT 2-4PM AGES 13-17YRS FREE, PLEASE BOOK YOUR TICKET IN ADVANCE
Working with artist Sayra Begum, this workshop provides the opportunity to recreate a journey you have made, or a journey you dream about taking. This journey can be as personal or as fantastical as you choose. You will have four frames to capture this journey, freezing them in time and recreating it for others to experience.
BOLLYTUNES UK LIVE
SATURDAY 9 SEPT 3-5PM FREE, PLEASE BOOK YOUR TICKET IN ADVANCE
BollyTunesUK is a Nottingham-based popular music band, comprising various artists including Keyboard, Dholak, Tabla (Indian percussion instruments) and other instrument players, and singers with multiple skill sets in Bollywood and classical/semi-classical singing. Some of the band members have even played in front of the Royal family and with some amazing Bollywood/Punjabi artists from India before.
The beauty of the group is that all the artists are Nottingham-based and it keeps growing. The idea is also to encourage and promote the local talent as much as possible. We believe in entertaining people by putting our hearts in and making the events enjoyable for all ages as per the audience’s taste.
MEHNDI AND FACE PAINTING
SATURDAY 9 SEPT 11AM-4PM AGES 3+ FREE
Free Mehndi and Face painting provided by Shaz Mehndi and JayFace.
SPECIAL MELA MENU IN THE NAE CAFEBAR
There will be a special plant-based menu for Mela in the NAE CafeBar throughout Mela.
TICKETS ON SALE FROM 10 AUGUST BOOK HERE
MELA AT WOLLATON HALL
SUNDAY 10 SEPTEMBER
Read more and book your tickets on the Wollaton Hall website.
