Sights and sounds of Mela come to theatre

Colour, dance, craft and food from south Asia will fill the Belgrade at its annual Mela festival on Saturday.
Sneha Singh will be taking part in the MelaSneha Singh will be taking part in the Mela
Sneha Singh will be taking part in the Mela

Visitors can look forward to a series of free workshops showcasing the best in traditional and modern Asian arts. There will be a chance to dance to the latest Bollywood beats, learn to play the dhol and try classical South Asian instruments with free sessions lead by experienced practitioners.

Workshops running between 12 noon and 6pm in the B2 auditorium this year include An Introduction to Yoga, Learn Bollywood Dancing, An Introduction to Bharatanatyam Dancing, Learn to play the Dhol, Classical South Asian Instruments and a talk about the exhibition Colonial Hangover.

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Stallholders from across the south Asian community will also be on hand throughout the afternoon selling traditional artisan crafts as well as a selection of sweet and savoury food items.

This Mela will feature the premiere of the short Indian film Walnut, starring Kunal Kapoor, an account of one man’s journey through the landscapes of dream.

The family-friendly events programme will feature a range of free activities for children including face painting and a soft play area that will include ball pool, Didi cars and Happy Hoperz. For the first time this year, young visitors will be given the opportunity to learn how to read and write the alphabet in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi or Gujurati.

]During the evening, South Asian talent from across Coventry and Warwickshire will take to the Belgrade stage to showcase their various art forms and to represent the diversity of South Asian talent that exists in the city today. From classical Bharatanyam dancing to Dhol, Bollywood folk music to Tabla drumming, the show will bring together the best of Coventry’s South Asian arts and artists for one night only.

Call 024 7655 3055 or visit www.belgrade.co.uk for tickets or more information.

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