The Mela is returning to Croydon with Wandle Park hosting the renowned celebration of south-east Asian culture on Saturday, September 30.
This year named the Colors Croydon International Mela, the event will provide a spectacular showcase of international artists, local talent, extraordinary dance and absorbing street theatre.
In keeping with the 50th anniversary of 1967 the theme of this first edition of the new event is ‘Love’.
Artistic director Ajay Chhabra said: “What Croydon and London needs right now is a coming together, a sense of joy of cultures and communities.”
The event is being sponsored by Color TV, one of India’s leading arts and culture TV stations.
Headlining the Colors TV main stage, being presented in association with Sunrise Radio, will be veteran crooner Arju while there will be exclusive performances from UK rappers Raxstar and Tazz while Tash Tah will follow on from Bhangra sensation H Dhami.
Closing the event will be French street theatre company Transe Express, which will collaborate with the Dhol Academy to present a special performance of their celebrated clown and trapeze artist show Mobile Homme.
In addition there will be a delicious array of street food and plenty to keep the kids entertained.
Timothy Godfrey, Councillor and Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “I’m delighted by how the investment of the Arts Council and Croydon Council in enabling us to host the Croydon International Mela. Croydon has a proud tradition of staging a Mela and it’s great to have a large scale event back in the borough.”