“The dividing line between past, present, and future is an illusion.”
Einstein(un)Folding time is an exciting moment to commemorate 30 years of Mela in the UK and signal a new phase of activities capturing the creative and cultural spirit of the city of Nottingham with a strong South Asian root this year’s mela strives towards an inclusive and vibrant diverse expression born from a need in society to recognise, understand and appreciate the richness which has developed since first generation families arrived post war Britain.
Over this 5 day period, visitors are invited to experience an unforgettable programme of spectacular performances, authentic cuisine, active games and family friendly workshops.
Mela launches on Wed 29th August at Peggy’s Skylight a new jazz club in Hockley with a performance by Zoe Rahman, a remarkable pianist and composer who has firmly established herself as one of the brightest stars of the contemporary Jazz scene.
The following Thursday and Friday at the Nottingham Arts Theatre you'll see Subhash Viman Gorania, Jyoti Parwana and Vidya Patel – dancers who all perform in different styles of South Asian dance.
On Saturday performing at The New Art Exchange, Jasdeep Singh Degun – a Sitarist from Leeds, Dalbir Singh Rattan – a virtuoso table player and also Mendhi, Rangoli, and Yoga workshops.
On the final day of Sunday the 2nd September there will be a full day of fun family packed activities at The Arboretum which will feature live music on the main stage such as Deepa Nair Rasiya - a London Born singer songwriter with South Asian heritage who performs deeply spiritual, classic Indian vocals, Soumik Datta – a British Indian Composer and virtuoso player of the Sarod and Shin Parwana – renowned front man of Bhangra band DCS. On this day we also have Craft and Food stalls, Poetry, Dance and Art workshops.
There is something for everybody to enjoy at Nottingham Arts Mela 2018. This innovative festival is a dynamic fusion between the global and local, established and emerging artists, allowing visitors to truly experience the diversity and beauty of South Asian culture.
Event Details Wed 29th August – Saturday 1st September: Hockley / New Art Exchange Sunday 2nd September: The Arboretum Nottingham
New Art Exchange are for craft stalls to join them for this year's #NottsMela, Sunday 2 September, marking the 30th anniversary of the UK's first Mela festival! Fancy joining them? Email richard@nae.org.uk for more info.
