Performers make a mela of it as Bradford park hosts celebration of rich Asian culture

Last year organisers of the celebration of Asian arts and culture had to call off the event because of the washout summer. But this year the event moved to City Park as part of a relaunched Bradford Festival programme which brought a variety of music, dance, theatre and food to Bradford’s city centre.

The main programme of events began on Friday, running through the weekend and finishing yesterday, with the Mela Day.

Mela Day saw colourful and energetic music, dance and street theatre, together with food stalls to tempt visitors. Attractions included authentic South Indian classical music and dance from Srishti Yuva Culture, The Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers and the Bollywood Brass Band with Rafaqat Ali Khan.

Coun Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford Council’s executive member for employment, skills and culture, said: “This years festival is a great opportunity to showcase the city and realise the full potential of City Park as a performance venue.”

Other events held over the festival weekend in the city included street theatre, workshops and music from Carmina Burana with Bradford Festival Choral Society.