Edinburgh Mela Festival

For one dazzling weekend in September 'Auld Reekie' is transformed into New Delhi, Karachi and Bollywood.

Edinburgh Mela, established over a decade ago, is Scotland’s largest intercultural festival. The three-day event celebrates south Asian heritage but also the traditions of other cultures which make a contribution to contemporary Scotland.  Edinburgh Mela attracts crowds of over 60,000 and the ever expanding programme features performers from eastern Europe, China and Africa.

Crowds dance to DJs merging Bhangra rhythms and west coast rap in Edinburgh’s Pilrig Park. Audiences gather to watch acrobats, aerial performers and classical dancers perform in colourful national costumes.

There’s also the opportunity to immerse yourself in the bazaar where you will smell the aromas of the east. Traders sell clothes, fabrics, jewellery, arts, crafts and many other items. You can mingle with people from Scotland and all over the world.

Edinburgh Mela, 2-4 September 2011