The London Mela is spectacular one-day festival, which celebrates the rich tableau of South Asian culture and creativity, both in Britain and throughout the rest of the world.

"Like all good festivals, there was an element of the wild and the weird" 
Daily Telegraph

Around 55,000 people are estimated to have attended the London Mela 2006, which took place in Gunnersbury Park, West London on Sunday 13th August. Now in its fourth year, the London Mela is one of the largest outdoor Asian events in Europe and has become firmly established as one of the key cultural events in London, attracting people not just from across the capital, but also the UK.

Speaking after the event, Ajay Chabra, London Mela Artistic Director, said: 'In spite of the rain around 55,000 enjoyed a great day out at this year's London Mela, which stands out as a true London event. It brings all communities together for a genuinely unique event where high art meets pop culture and the urban meets the suburban.'

London Mayor Ken Livingstone welcomed the continuing success of the London Mela, saying: 'I am pleased to give my backing to the London Mela, which has a wonderful mix of classical and modern music plus theatre and dance performance. It gives Londoners from all communities the chance to experience the diversity of Asian culture and has established itself as an important party of the capital's cultural calendar.'

London Mela 2006 saw the UK debut of Pakistan rock star Atif Aslam, performing on the main stage. Also on the main stage, which was produced in partnership with BBC Asian Network, were legends of British Bhangra Chirag Pechan, who had reformed for a special one-off concert for the first time in two decades, as well as performances by Londoner Ajay, female rappers Hard Kaur and Ms Scandalous, and Mentor Kolectiv. 

French sensation Pascal of Bollywood also made his UK debut. The grand finale, Bollywood Steps, was a unique outdoor dance spectacle and visual feast with stunning choreography, water effects, lighting and pyrotechnics. 

There was classical music and performance, including Habib Sabri Sufi Qawaal, Arun Gosh, Sitar Fusion and Akademi. The London Flavas stage was hosted by BBC Radio 1’s Bobby and Nihal, and there was live music and DJs at the BBC Asian Network Station Wagon.

New commissions included Tabla Blah Blah, a collaboration between DJ Bobby Friction, Tabla guru Pandit Sharda Sahai and the Sangeet Ensemble. There was a roaring Royal Bengal Tiger Float complete with Baul music, storytelling, dance and DJs – as well as the Bombay Baja, The Flying Buttresses, and the extra tall Mayor and Councillor of Londinium. Other attractions included food stall, community stalls and a funfair.
 
The free event is supported by the Mayor of London and produced by Ealing Council in partnership with Hounslow Council.