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Sandwell and Birmingham Mela 2019: Huge crowds expected for Asian music festival

One of the biggest festivals in the Black Country is returning next month with thousands of people expected to turn out again.

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Mela ready to bring in the crowds again

Ola Sandwell and Birmingham Mela will be returning to Victoria Park in Smethwick next month.

Thousands are expected at UK’s biggest Asian music festival for weekend of family entertainment with Bollywood stars.

The annual Mela is taking place on July 20 and 21.

WATCH: Highlights of last year's show

In its ninth year, the Mela is celebration of Asian culture and creativity, inspired by south Asia.

Now the biggest event of its kind in Europe, the Ola Sandwell and Birmingham Mela showcases the best in pop, folk and classical music from across the globe, British Asian urban acts, dance, visual arts and arts and crafts activity, as well as exhibitions and shopping bazaar.

Organisers said: "With a nearly a quarter of the audience from non-Asian communities, it is a truly intercultural family event with something for every generation of every community."

There will be an Asia Food Market. And Lidl GB will be bringing an array of exciting interactive activities to the Mela, including a cooking demonstration with tasters from renowned Chef Tony Singh and the chance to blend your own smoothie on one of Lidl's smoothie bikes.

Miss Pooja performs during the Mela in 2018

Danny Singh, Chair of Ola Sandwell and Birmingham Mela, said: “With the Mela in its ninth year we are gearing up to our 10th anniversary and have an exciting programme.

"Sandwell and Birmingham has a vibrant South Asian community with a rich history of Mela and this is the place to celebrate with the rest of the community.”

Sandwell Council Leader Councillor Yvonne Davies added: “Over the past eight years, the Mela has gone from strength to strength, with a variety of entertainment and activities for the whole community, from the music to the food. I’m proud that we have the Ola Sandwell &

"Birmingham Mela here in Sandwell – it’s events like this, taking place in our communities, that showcase the West Midlands at its diverse, lively and open best.”

Taxi ride-hailing service Ola UK is sponsoring this year's event. It operates across the Black Country, Birmingham and Solihull.

Emma Kenelm, chief marketing Officer of Ola UK, said “We are delighted to be the headline sponsor for the Ola Sandwell & Birmingham Mela festival, the biggest Asian music festival in Europe.

"Ola is an app-based ride-hailing service recently launched in the UK, with global roots in India.

"This festival provides a unique opportunity to celebrate our heritage and culture, as well as our launch in Birmingham.

"Ola has now launched in six cities across the UK and looks forward to meeting new riders and drivers at the festival. We hope everyone has a fantastic time.”

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