Bolton is gearing up for it's annual mela and they hoping to put on a real show.

The Mela, organised by the Bolton Mela Group with support and funding from Bolton Council is on Sunday (20th August) at Queens Park, off Chorley New road between 12pm and 7pm.

It will include a main stage featuring a variety of famous acts from the Asian music scene and a community stage showcasing local talent such as dancers from the Bolton based North West Asian Arts.

Young Punjabi vocalist, Gubi Sandhu is a British Asian Bhangra artist and is set to take the crowd by storm in the afternoon. Gubi has toured America and recently Pakistan.

Bhangra fans are in for a further delight when Safri Boyz take to the stage. Lead singer Balwinder Safri originally hails from India but settled in Birmingham where he set up the group. Their music is a mix of traditional sounds like the dhol and modern beats.

For those preferring a more traditional sound, Sur Sangeet a live band from Gujarat in India will be singing Qawwalis (classical compositions) and old bollywood film songs. Popular bhangra artist, Sukshinder Shinda will also feature in the evening and African ensemble Osageyfo will be holding drumming workshops in the park.

The Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Walter Hall will attend and officially open the event at 1.30pm. A fairground will run from 12pm to 9pm on Saturday (19 August) and Sunday (20 August).

Cars cannot be brought into Queens Park but parking will be available at Chorley Street Car Park.

7:46pm Thursday 17th August 2006

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