Thousands of visitors will head to Birmingham on 25-26 July for the Lebara Sandwell & Birmingham Mela 2015. The free festival, taking place at Victoria Park, Smethwick, is a weekend extravaganza in the heart of the community that combines live international music performances, stalls, food, arts, community showcases, workshops and a funfair. Over 100 artists and groups are set to perform at the event including Punjab’s superstar Roshan Prince, chart-topping artists Arjun, Roach Killa, Juggy D, Nesdi Jones and many more!
120,000 people attended the two-day festival in 2014 and, now in its fifth year, the event is set to attract people from across the region and further afield.
Danny Singh, Director of Lebara Sandwell & Birmingham Mela, said: "The Mela is months of hard work and dedication by the team. This year we have put in the extra effort and are bringing something really special to festival goers. Whilst the big music stars offer top class entertainment, we will have stages showcasing regional dance and musical talent. The Mela is a real community event and we have lined up a range of activities for people of all ages. In previous years, people have come from abroad to attend the Mela, so get the date in the diary and make sure you don't miss out on one of the biggest weekends in the summer!"
Aditya Thakur, CEO of Lebara Play, said “We’re delighted to continue our support of Mela. This is also the perfect opportunity to showcase our new entertainment service for your TV, laptop and mobile. With Lebara Play, you can watch thousands of movies and hundreds of channels. We’re also excited to announce that we will be adding Hindi, Punjabi and Bengali content very soon, to bring even more people the shows and movies they miss and love.”
Sandwell Council leader Councillor Darren Cooper said: “The Mela is always a real highlight of the calendar, bringing together community events and international stars and open to everyone with a feast of entertainment, food and activities. It draws people from all over the country and this fifth annual Mela promises to be a fantastic spectacle in the heart of Smethwick.”
Road closures and parking restrictions will be in place on the following roads on event days between 11.30 and 19.00:- Corbett Street, Suffrage Street, Scribbans Close, Pritchard Close, Ballot Street, Exeter Road, Jordan Close, Barnstaple Road, Tiverton Road, Dawlish Road, Victoria Park Road, Ron Davis Close, Pool Road, Salcombe Road, Amity Close, Pool Road, Allan Close.
Event parking is available in Victoria Park at £5 per car. The event is open to the public between 12:00 and 19:00 on both days.
Lebara Sandwell & Birmingham Mela is a not for profit organisation and is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
