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Mela comes of age with huge line-up


The countdown to Bradford’s 21st Mela has begun.

More than 100,000 revellers are expected to join in a celebration of the sights, sounds and flavours of the world at the coming of age event in Peel Park next month.

There will be miles of market stalls, a new children’s area, street artists and a funfair at the gathering, one of the largest of its kind in Europe.

Food will again play a large part in the celebrations, as will dance theatre and traditional crafts.

Ben Pugh, Bradford Mela producer, said: “The 21st anniversary year is really something to celebrate and we are determined to make it extra special.

“People should look out for a range of activities throughout the year exploring the history of the Mela and looking to the future, in creating celebrations of dance, music and Bradford’s amazing mix of cultures, across the district.”

The first Bradford Mela was held in September 1988 on playing fields near the university and attracted 10,000 visitors.

After this event the Mela was moved to different locations to accommodate the large numbers of visitors who boost the local economy by an estimated £3 million each year.

It has been so popular it has been used as a model for other Melas with teams from Edinburgh, Manchester and London visiting the city to take ideas and develop similar celebrations.

Representatives from Bradford Mela have been instrumental in setting up the European Mela Network, a group of organisers which gives guidance shaping Melas across the continent.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, Bradford Council’s executive member for environment and culture, said: “The Bradford Mela has always been a great event with a fantastic reputation for its high-quality programme of artists and presenting emerging local, national and international talent.

“Each year the event has got better and better with a great family atmosphere and something for everyone to enjoy.”

Coun Hawkesworth said details of this year’s Mela were a closely-guarded secret and more details will be revealed before the event on the weekend of June 13 and 14 at bradfordmela.org.uk.


Your Say YourAsian Image

Welcome To The New World Order, Bradford-on-sea says...
5:03pm Fri 15 May 09

I worked on the Mela once...never again.

c/pot, eccelshill says...
5:49pm Fri 15 May 09

Funny how this event keeps going year after year yet we couldnt have a St Georges Day parade last year.

Quilp, Bradford says...
6:37pm Fri 15 May 09

Rather than bring us all together, I can't help reflecting upon the idea that the Mela serves to highlight the critical fault lines that menacingly meander their way through our everyday lives.

denis court, says...
6:39pm Fri 15 May 09

I bet there would be more like 10 there if they charged the same as they do for the Bingley music thing. Funny as it's a 'world' event that so few British and Irish artists appear.
No doubt the long standing residents around Peel Park have been asked if they want it....back in Lister Park

Iona Cortina, Bradford says...
7:05pm Fri 15 May 09

Welcome To The New World Order wrote:
I worked on the Mela once...never again.
Please stop trying to stir up racial hatred.

Thank you.

c/pot, eccelshill says...
7:12pm Fri 15 May 09

Iona Cortina wrote:
Welcome To The New World Order wrote: I worked on the Mela once...never again.
Please stop trying to stir up racial hatred. Thank you.
You really need looking at,read the statement what is racial about it,i think you are the racist.

ms walker, Round here says...
10:11pm Fri 15 May 09

c/pot wrote:
Iona Cortina wrote:
Welcome To The New World Order wrote: I worked on the Mela once...never again.
Please stop trying to stir up racial hatred. Thank you.
You really need looking at,read the statement what is racial about it,i think you are the racist.
Lookout, or Crackpot or whatever you call yourself these days: Whatever Welcome meant, or Iona understood, YOU are in no position to level accusations of racism.

ms walker, Round here says...
10:13pm Fri 15 May 09

Welcome To The New World Order wrote:
I worked on the Mela once...never again.
I've worked there several times. I guess it probably depends on what job you're doing. I enjoy mine you see.

albion, west riding says...
10:18pm Fri 15 May 09

Southport looks good!

c/pot, eccelshill says...
8:12am Sat 16 May 09

ms walker wrote:
c/pot wrote:
Iona Cortina wrote:
Welcome To The New World Order wrote: I worked on the Mela once...never again.
Please stop trying to stir up racial hatred. Thank you.
You really need looking at,read the statement what is racial about it,i think you are the racist.
Lookout, or Crackpot or whatever you call yourself these days: Whatever Welcome meant, or Iona understood, YOU are in no position to level accusations of racism.
I didnt bring the issue of race into this thread,it seems an innocent comment was thought of as being racist,i cant help it if some people read things into it that arent there and just who do you think you are you are in no position to lecture anyone its time you took your head out of the ground and looked around especially after your comments on taxi drivers you are on another planet,hope thats not taken to be racist.

ms walker, Round here says...
12:56pm Sat 16 May 09

c/pot wrote:
ms walker wrote:
c/pot wrote:
Iona Cortina wrote:
Welcome To The New World Order wrote: I worked on the Mela once...never again.
Please stop trying to stir up racial hatred. Thank you.
You really need looking at,read the statement what is racial about it,i think you are the racist.
Lookout, or Crackpot or whatever you call yourself these days: Whatever Welcome meant, or Iona understood, YOU are in no position to level accusations of racism.
I didnt bring the issue of race into this thread,it seems an innocent comment was thought of as being racist,i cant help it if some people read things into it that arent there and just who do you think you are you are in no position to lecture anyone its time you took your head out of the ground and looked around especially after your comments on taxi drivers you are on another planet,hope thats not taken to be racist.

My comment referred to your repeated racist stance over many posts Crackpot/Lookout. I direct you back to your latest post about taxi drivers Mr-I'm-Not-Racist-Bu
t-They-Should-All-Go
-Home.

It's time you took your head out of your **** and did something positive for this community.

albion, west riding says...
3:48pm Sat 16 May 09

albion wrote:
Southport looks good!
Or even Morecambe!

finemess, bradford says...
5:21pm Sat 16 May 09

Wonder why the council isn't promoting an english cultural fayre equivalent to to the scale of the mela?

Jammy, Bradford says...
5:22pm Sat 16 May 09

Why is everyone cracking on about racism ,the mela itself is an asian word therefore the intention is for an asian fair or gathering,if it was aimed at the indigenous population it would be called a fair.And it keeps going because Bradford council,go out of their way for it ,unlike some traditional british celebrations.

ms walker, Round here says...
11:55pm Sat 16 May 09

Jammy wrote:
Why is everyone cracking on about racism ,the mela itself is an asian word therefore the intention is for an asian fair or gathering,if it was aimed at the indigenous population it would be called a fair.And it keeps going because Bradford council,go out of their way for it ,unlike some traditional british celebrations.
And 'Bazaar' is an Asian word and 'Bungalow' is an Asian word and 'Verandah' is an Asian word. By your logic, does that mean that they can only be used by Asian people??

c/pot, eccelshill says...
9:47am Sun 17 May 09

ms walker wrote:
c/pot wrote:
ms walker wrote:
c/pot wrote:
Iona Cortina wrote:
Welcome To The New World Order wrote: I worked on the Mela once...never again.
Please stop trying to stir up racial hatred. Thank you.
You really need looking at,read the statement what is racial about it,i think you are the racist.
Lookout, or Crackpot or whatever you call yourself these days: Whatever Welcome meant, or Iona understood, YOU are in no position to level accusations of racism.
I didnt bring the issue of race into this thread,it seems an innocent comment was thought of as being racist,i cant help it if some people read things into it that arent there and just who do you think you are you are in no position to lecture anyone its time you took your head out of the ground and looked around especially after your comments on taxi drivers you are on another planet,hope thats not taken to be racist.
My comment referred to your repeated racist stance over many posts Crackpot/Lookout. I direct you back to your latest post about taxi drivers Mr-I'm-Not-Racist-Bu t-They-Should-All-Go -Home. It's time you took your head out of your **** and did something positive for this community.
I do something positive every day i am a public servent who for all you know may have served you.What is racist about if we dont use them they might go home,its only an opinion/suggestion you are another one who reads things and sees things which may or may not be there,you seem to mention racism just about every time you come on here,i dont.

ms walker, Round here says...
11:18am Sun 17 May 09

c/pot wrote:
ms walker wrote:
c/pot wrote:
ms walker wrote:
c/pot wrote:
Iona Cortina wrote:
Welcome To The New World Order wrote: I worked on the Mela once...never again.
Please stop trying to stir up racial hatred. Thank you.
You really need looking at,read the statement what is racial about it,i think you are the racist.
Lookout, or Crackpot or whatever you call yourself these days: Whatever Welcome meant, or Iona understood, YOU are in no position to level accusations of racism.
I didnt bring the issue of race into this thread,it seems an innocent comment was thought of as being racist,i cant help it if some people read things into it that arent there and just who do you think you are you are in no position to lecture anyone its time you took your head out of the ground and looked around especially after your comments on taxi drivers you are on another planet,hope thats not taken to be racist.
My comment referred to your repeated racist stance over many posts Crackpot/Lookout. I direct you back to your latest post about taxi drivers Mr-I'm-Not-Racist-Bu t-They-Should-All-Go -Home. It's time you took your head out of your **** and did something positive for this community.
I do something positive every day i am a public servent who for all you know may have served you.What is racist about if we dont use them they might go home,its only an opinion/suggestion you are another one who reads things and sees things which may or may not be there,you seem to mention racism just about every time you come on here,i dont.
The only time I mention race is when I challenge comments left by people like you.
Your history of comments is archived. You're a bigot, but worse, you're a cowardly bigot who, when challenged, denies his beliefs.


"you are another one who reads things and sees things which MAY or MAY NOT be there"

So which one is it Crackpot, you coward? Is it there, or is it not, or are you just skulking behind ambiguity? I KNOW what you think. Every time you get the chance you make another sly dig at people you think shouldn't be here.

You're not a public servant. I wouldn't drink in your pub if you paid me.

c/pot, eccelshill says...
11:39am Sun 17 May 09

ms walker wrote:
c/pot wrote:
ms walker wrote:
c/pot wrote:
ms walker wrote:
c/pot wrote:
Iona Cortina wrote:
Welcome To The New World Order wrote: I worked on the Mela once...never again.
Please stop trying to stir up racial hatred. Thank you.
You really need looking at,read the statement what is racial about it,i think you are the racist.
Lookout, or Crackpot or whatever you call yourself these days: Whatever Welcome meant, or Iona understood, YOU are in no position to level accusations of racism.
I didnt bring the issue of race into this thread,it seems an innocent comment was thought of as being racist,i cant help it if some people read things into it that arent there and just who do you think you are you are in no position to lecture anyone its time you took your head out of the ground and looked around especially after your comments on taxi drivers you are on another planet,hope thats not taken to be racist.
My comment referred to your repeated racist stance over many posts Crackpot/Lookout. I direct you back to your latest post about taxi drivers Mr-I'm-Not-Racist-Bu t-They-Should-All-Go -Home. It's time you took your head out of your **** and did something positive for this community.
I do something positive every day i am a public servent who for all you know may have served you.What is racist about if we dont use them they might go home,its only an opinion/suggestion you are another one who reads things and sees things which may or may not be there,you seem to mention racism just about every time you come on here,i dont.
The only time I mention race is when I challenge comments left by people like you. Your history of comments is archived. You're a bigot, but worse, you're a cowardly bigot who, when challenged, denies his beliefs. "you are another one who reads things and sees things which MAY or MAY NOT be there" So which one is it Crackpot, you coward? Is it there, or is it not, or are you just skulking behind ambiguity? I KNOW what you think. Every time you get the chance you make another sly dig at people you think shouldn't be here. You're not a public servant. I wouldn't drink in your pub if you paid me.
You might have been in it is quite popular,if i find out you are in you wont be served we dont serve nutters or racists, straight jacket please.

albion, west riding says...
12:07pm Sun 17 May 09

I wondered why you kept the door locked whenever i was about.

c/pot, eccelshill says...
12:14pm Sun 17 May 09

albion wrote:
I wondered why you kept the door locked whenever i was about.
You can ring my bell anytime,just dont bring Ms N Walker with you she wont like me im not PC or racist like her.

Iona Cortina, Bradford says...
1:58pm Sun 17 May 09

c/pot wrote:
Funny how this event keeps going year after year yet we couldnt have a St Georges Day parade last year.
c/pot, I meant to quote your post, earlier.

And as mentioned (earlier), please stop trying to stir up racial hatred.

Thank you.

albion, west riding says...
2:10pm Sun 17 May 09

Iona Cortina wrote:
c/pot wrote:
Funny how this event keeps going year after year yet we couldnt have a St Georges Day parade last year.
c/pot, I meant to quote your post, earlier.

And as mentioned (earlier), please stop trying to stir up racial hatred.

Thank you.
Well it makes a change from you doing it.

ms walker, Round here says...
6:50pm Sun 17 May 09

c/pot wrote:
albion wrote:
I wondered why you kept the door locked whenever i was about.
You can ring my bell anytime,just dont bring Ms N Walker with you she wont like me im not PC or racist like her.
Racist??? Crackpot - you're deluded!

Just because I don't like rude, bigoted publicans like you and think you should be dunked in a putrefying barrel of your own stale beer doesn't make me racist..! After all, if you were purple with yellow liver spots rather than puce with pent-up rage, I'd still feel exactly the same. So colour, you see, doesn't come into it at all.

;-)

Read my posts, and inwardly digest. They might help alleviate your bile.

c/pot, eccelshill says...
7:25pm Sun 17 May 09

ms walker wrote:
c/pot wrote:
albion wrote: I wondered why you kept the door locked whenever i was about.
You can ring my bell anytime,just dont bring Ms N Walker with you she wont like me im not PC or racist like her.
Racist??? Crackpot - you're deluded! Just because I don't like rude, bigoted publicans like you and think you should be dunked in a putrefying barrel of your own stale beer doesn't make me racist..! After all, if you were purple with yellow liver spots rather than puce with pent-up rage, I'd still feel exactly the same. So colour, you see, doesn't come into it at all. ;-) Read my posts, and inwardly digest. They might help alleviate your bile.
If i was rude, bigoted and racist i wouldnt be a publican for very long,as it is ive been doing this job for the last 12 years and succesfully i might add,one thing i learned years ago was never to lose my temper or fly into a rage you should do the same.i have always been noted for quality ales.The only thing you are noted for is trying to be PC,getting on peoples nerves and being a nutter,straight jacket please until the nutter has calmed down.Iwould hazard a guess that you are still a virgin and maybe thats whats wrong with you.

denis court, says...
8:19pm Sun 17 May 09

ms walker wrote:
Jammy wrote: Why is everyone cracking on about racism ,the mela itself is an asian word therefore the intention is for an asian fair or gathering,if it was aimed at the indigenous population it would be called a fair.And it keeps going because Bradford council,go out of their way for it ,unlike some traditional british celebrations.
And 'Bazaar' is an Asian word and 'Bungalow' is an Asian word and 'Verandah' is an Asian word. By your logic, does that mean that they can only be used by Asian people??
Talking about the word 'Bazaar'. Anyone been to the one on Cemetery Road? Why are they allowed to put up posters that only have an asian model on it? Why do other businesses have to show a cross-section of the population, even when the % of one community may be only 1%, yet this asian business by it's own advertising excludes the majority of Bradford's population?
Having said that, my experiances of bazaars are that they sell rubbish anyway, so maybe they expect their target customers to buy rubbish

ms walker, Round here says...
11:20pm Sun 17 May 09

c/pot wrote:
ms walker wrote:
c/pot wrote:
albion wrote: I wondered why you kept the door locked whenever i was about.
You can ring my bell anytime,just dont bring Ms N Walker with you she wont like me im not PC or racist like her.
Racist??? Crackpot - you're deluded! Just because I don't like rude, bigoted publicans like you and think you should be dunked in a putrefying barrel of your own stale beer doesn't make me racist..! After all, if you were purple with yellow liver spots rather than puce with pent-up rage, I'd still feel exactly the same. So colour, you see, doesn't come into it at all. ;-) Read my posts, and inwardly digest. They might help alleviate your bile.
If i was rude, bigoted and racist i wouldnt be a publican for very long,as it is ive been doing this job for the last 12 years and succesfully i might add,one thing i learned years ago was never to lose my temper or fly into a rage you should do the same.i have always been noted for quality ales.The only thing you are noted for is trying to be PC,getting on peoples nerves and being a nutter,straight jacket please until the nutter has calmed down.Iwould hazard a guess that you are still a virgin and maybe thats whats wrong with you.
And a chauvinist to boot! Your character really did form in the bottom of a dirty drip-tray, didn't it! I must tell Mr Walker that I'm still a virgin. Poor dear, he's been trying so hard...

ms walker, Round here says...
11:22pm Sun 17 May 09

To get back to the original subject, I wish they'd actually released the details of the 'huge line up' that's on at this year's mela. It's a bit lax to make such unsubstantiated claims, Mr Meneaud... More details, please.

ms walker, Round here says...
11:42pm Sun 17 May 09

denis court wrote:
ms walker wrote:
Jammy wrote: Why is everyone cracking on about racism ,the mela itself is an asian word therefore the intention is for an asian fair or gathering,if it was aimed at the indigenous population it would be called a fair.And it keeps going because Bradford council,go out of their way for it ,unlike some traditional british celebrations.
And 'Bazaar' is an Asian word and 'Bungalow' is an Asian word and 'Verandah' is an Asian word. By your logic, does that mean that they can only be used by Asian people??
Talking about the word 'Bazaar'. Anyone been to the one on Cemetery Road? Why are they allowed to put up posters that only have an asian model on it? Why do other businesses have to show a cross-section of the population, even when the % of one community may be only 1%, yet this asian business by it's own advertising excludes the majority of Bradford's population?
Having said that, my experiances of bazaars are that they sell rubbish anyway, so maybe they expect their target customers to buy rubbish
A good point, Denis, but as I understand it, it's not mandatory for other businesses to show a cross-section of the population - but it makes good business sense to do so. Which means that the Asian business you refer to could greatly improve its marketability by focussing on diversity in its customer base.

I like markets, fairs, bazaars... all of 'em. Call them what you will. They're all just places for people to mingle and maybe buy stuff. I think we should have one on the Westfield site, next to the skate park. In fact, maybe we should hold the Mela there, which might prevent all those dreadful traffic jams on the way to Peel Park...

SLATE MINER, Bfd. says...
12:36pm Mon 18 May 09

This Mrs Walker is really some nutter who would be better off in an asylum.

albion, west riding says...
1:09pm Mon 18 May 09

SLATE MINER wrote:
This Mrs Walker is really some nutter who would be better off in an asylum.
"Care in the community"?

ms walker, Round here says...
8:00pm Mon 18 May 09

SLATE MINER wrote:
This Mrs Walker is really some nutter who would be better off in an asylum.
Thank you, that's one of the nicest things Ican ever remember you saying, but unfortunately I have a well-paid and responsible job to attend to, and I really don't think they'd let me go.

Do you live in Queensbury by any chance?

affy, says...
8:37am Tue 19 May 09

"c/pot wrote:
Funny how this event keeps going year after year yet we couldnt have a St Georges Day parade last year."

The reason why the council continue to host the mela every year is because it has been so sucessful. It attracts over 100,000 people every year and brings up to 3 million to the local economy. Now if a St Georges day fair, or any other fair generated that kind of money they would have it every year. And for those of you who don't like the Mela don't go.

SLATE MINER, Bfd. says...
10:11am Tue 19 May 09

ms walker wrote:
SLATE MINER wrote: This Mrs Walker is really some nutter who would be better off in an asylum.
Thank you, that's one of the nicest things Ican ever remember you saying, but unfortunately I have a well-paid and responsible job to attend to, and I really don't think they'd let me go. Do you live in Queensbury by any chance?
A well paid and responsible job to attend t0 - no tea for me mama im off to play the grand piano what what. For goodness sake ms Walker get of your high horse, drop your miss attitude and join real people.
Security word wind-blow I wonder if thats hot air Lol

ms walker, Round here says...
1:23pm Tue 19 May 09

SLATE MINER wrote:
ms walker wrote:
SLATE MINER wrote: This Mrs Walker is really some nutter who would be better off in an asylum.
Thank you, that's one of the nicest things Ican ever remember you saying, but unfortunately I have a well-paid and responsible job to attend to, and I really don't think they'd let me go. Do you live in Queensbury by any chance?
A well paid and responsible job to attend t0 - no tea for me mama im off to play the grand piano what what. For goodness sake ms Walker get of your high horse, drop your miss attitude and join real people. Security word wind-blow I wonder if thats hot air Lol
Join 'Real People'??! But I DO, Slate Miner... pleasant and courteous taxi drivers, amongst others. It's just rude narrow-minded bullies like you I can't be bothered with.
What what.

Comments are closed on this article.

Desi Nach perform on the Mango stage last year Desi Nach perform on the Mango stage last year

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