Europe’s largest outdoor Asian festival is again set to transform Gunnersbury Park this weekend.

Free and family-friendly, the 02 London Mela is produced by Ealing Council and supported by the Mayor of London and London Borough of Hounslow, with BBC Asian Network collaborating with the organisers to programme the main stage.

The festival features some of the best homegrown and international artists, offering something for all generations of every community to enjoy. 

This year The O2 London Mela celebrates its 10th birthday and the Olympics coming to London.

To mark these special occasions we’re celebrating in spectacular style presenting two large-scale new commissions; The Mela Carnival, featuring hundreds of community participants, jaw-dropping floats and live music which will precede an evening classical concert with fireworks.

The concert will feature one of the world’s greatest orchestras, The Philharmonia in a ground-breaking collaboration with Jaz Dhami and Bhaven Centre Indian classical musicians.

This year we are also proud to be hosting the Mayor of London’s Eid celebrations. The Embracing Eid Stage will feature a range of talented Islamic artists and performers.

The one-day event will feature nine ‘zones’ with The Main Stage, BBC Asian Network Mix Tent curated by BBC Radio 1’s Nihal (with music from BBC Asian Network DJs), BBC Introducing curated by DJ Bobby Friction, Community & Kids Zone, Outdoor Arts and 'In Conversation With' tent, as well as food markets and a huge funfair.

On the stage.

Jaz Dhami: After the huge success of his debut album, Jaz Dhami hits the main stage with tracks from his second yet-to-be-titled album. Producers featuring on the album include Honey Singh, Zeus, Aman Hayer, Tru-Skool, Eren E & Tigerstyle. Jaz will also be collaborating with the Philharmonia orchestra at this year’s London Mela in what promises to be a once in a lifetime performance.

DJ Sanj feat Jay Status - (recently number one in the Official Asian Download Chart), Music Producer DJ Sanj presents his protégé Jay Status. The duo will be performing hits from their forthcoming album “Bad Boyz”, including tracks this year’s smash hits, Katal Kare & Chugliyan.

Roach Killa - has topped every chart around the world with hits like Hey Gal feat Apache Indian and Killin DEM. He is currently working on his second album.

Angrej Ali - the voice behind Tharti Hilde, Phattey Chak, renowned live performer Angrej Ali promises to rock the crowd with his recent massive dancefloor hits 'Nachdi De' & “Ajja Ajja”

Stranger Family is a collective of five of the foremost artistes performing in the British Asian music industry today: Mumzy Stranger, Junai Kaden, Tasha Tah, Char Avell and Ramee. Whether individually or collectively they are the hottest live acts currently on the British Asian music scene.

The Philharmonia Orchestra will be performing the London premiere of “Indra”, composed by distinguished one-time local resident Gustav Holst, as well as collaborating with The Bollywood Brass Band, Jaz Dhami and Indian classical musicians from the Bhavan Centre performing two movements from Ravi Shankar’s “Symphony”.
Conductor David Murphy says, "I am looking forward enormously to taking part in the London Mela's 10th anniversary celebrations with the Philharmonia Orchestra and am really excited to be giving the London Premiere of Gustav Holst's Indra in this context, alongside the fantastic new Symphony by Ravi Shankar plus some musical surprises!"

The Embracing Eid Stage celebrates the music of Islamic artists with U-Cef, Celt Islam, Tara Ibrahim, Seddick and the Seeds of Creation and is headlined by Ustad Ali Hafeez Khan.

The Mela Carnival - featuring London Mela commissions The Guruda, and In the Doldrums - plus motorised Elephant and Turtle floats, hundreds of community participants as well as live music from the Dhol Academy and the Bollywood Brass Band. The Mela Carnival will also feature contributions from the embassy of Nepal.
The London Mela Carnival is produced by long-term collaborators, the established London-based arts and carnival producer, Emergency Exit Arts.

Red Poppy - aka Beijing Red Poppy Ladies' Percussion Ensemble are being flown in specially for the period of the Olympic games. Red Poppy's unique artistic style combines traditional and contemporary musical influences, maximising the drama and colour of Chinese and western drumming to create an audio-visual extravaganza that shakes the stage and the senses.

Outdoor Arts will feature the watery genius of Avanti Display’s Spurting Man

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said, "'I'm delighted to once again be supporting the London Mela, a wonderful celebration of Asian culture in all its rich diversity.

"It promises to be even better this year and with the Embracing Eid stage will attract a wider audience. With the eyes of the world on the capital for the 2012 Games, this colourful family event will be a sparkling addition to the unprecedented series of free events taking place across the capital throughout the summer.'

Councillor Julian Bell, Leader of Ealing Council said, "This year is extremely special, not only is London hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games, but locally we are also celebrating the 10th birthday of the O2 London Mela. It's a proud moment for Ealing Council and our host partner, Hounslow Council."

O2 London Mela, Sunday 19th August 2012, Times: 1pm – 9pm.
Venue: Gunnersbury Park, Popes Lane, W3.
Further information: www.londonmela.org