'At the heart' mela comes of age

MORE than two decades ago, a young bunch of volunteers scraped together to put on the first Nottingham Mela. If they could see what it has become – an event that spans the city centre, draws thousands and sits alongside a Twenty20 World Cup match between India and Bangladesh – they likely would not believe it.

(Granted, they might have also needed an explanation on what this "Twenty20 World Cup" was, and why Bangladesh was in it).

In 21 years the Nottingham Mela has gone from a grass-roots, predominantly volunteer celebration of Asian culture and music to a massive, inclusive festival.

Adil Ray has worked melas around the country for more than a decade.

"I think they've become much better organised," said the BBC Asian Network morning presenter, who will, along with other Asian Network presenters, host the mela. "In the past perhaps it was a sub-committee of a sub-committee. Now it's the whole community getting together, or a number of people getting together.

"It really is an important date in the calendar for the local council and it's treated like that."

And it's more families, not just young people, and the wider community, not just the Asian community, that comes along now.

Thanks to a bit of rescheduling that sees the mela moved from late-summer to early-June to coincide with the Twenty20 World Cup – and particularly, India's Saturday showdown with Bangladesh at Trent Bridge – rumours are even swirling that a few of Indian cricket's biggest names and some of their Bollywood pals might turn up.

"That would be incredible," said Nikki Bedi, another BBC Asian Network presenter. "The Bollywood-cricket nexus never ceases to surprise and provide headlines."

But even if the likes of Sachin and Shilpa aren't spotted backstage, event organisers reckon they've put on a programme worthy of the event's 21st birthday. By moving the mela from The Forest recreation ground to the city centre – with events on at Old Market Square, Nottingham Playhouse and the Royal Centre – they believe they can put the event literally and figuratively at the heart of the city.

And with a line-up that mixes top international Asian and British-Asian acts with local and regional talent, they reckon they can put on a proper show, Bollywood stars or not.

Adil loves getting out of the studio and being among the people.

"It's a big, big part of the year for us," he said.

"That's what mela actually means; a meeting of people.

"It's a very special one, Nottingham.

Some melas boast line-ups featuring some of the big musical stars of the sub-continent, but no local talent. Adil prefers the Nottingham way, which makes room for talented local up-and-comers alongside the international stars.

"It's got to say as much about Nottingham as is does about British Asian culture," he said.

"For me that's kind of what it's all about."

He'll be hosting the main stage, but likes to get to the smaller stages when he's not working. He tries to get away from the "caged-off media areas."

"You'll often find new artists floating around with demos, which I think is great.

"I find a lot of people who simply want to get into radio; want to get into the music business. And it's just a good way to meet people."

When she's not on the radio, touring the US or putting on club nights around London, DJ Kayper plays every mela for the Asian Network. She reckons local acts are some of the best ones to watch, "which makes sense because they're in their hometown. I always look forward to seeing new rappers, new bands, not only for my club nights but for my radio show as well. I'll definitely be looking out for local talent".

And if all that talent-spotting works up an appetite, well, there's always the food stalls. And there'll be shopping. And local art and decorations. And... well, plenty to do.

Plenty to do for everybody.

Nikki Bedi said: "It's Asian by name and nature, mela, but it's also that anybody can join in.

"Anybody can appreciate it."