THE Glasgow Mela will this year feature some of the biggest names ever to appear as part of the celebration of the city’s cultures.

Heading the bill will be Lehmber Hussainpuri whose song Das Jaa was named the third greatest UK Bhangra hit of all time by a panel of experts selected by the BBC Asian Network.

He will be joined on the bill by Asad Abbas who was the first winner of Pakistan’s version of Pop Idol.

Other acts will include Circus Raj is made up of a company of dancers, illusionists, aerial acts, acrobats and rope walkers, Jarrdu and his magic carpet and the Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band.
They will be joined by local talent across three stages in Kelvingrove Park on Sunday July 17 performing in front of tens of thousands.

Glasgow Arts officers are also working with local performers at the Mela on Your Doorstep events in Dalmarnock, Netherton and Tramway to develop routines to take to the main event in the West End.

Councillor Soryia Siddique, chairwoman of the Glasgow Mela steering group, said: “The Glasgow Mela is a celebration of our city’s rich diversity and all its communities.

“We have been working hard since last year’s Mela to put together an outstanding line-up worthy of an event that has become an integral part of our cultural calendar.

“We are looking forward to an incredible event and to welcoming global artists to Glasgow to join local talent in entertaining the crowds.”

Glasgow’s first Mela was held in 1990 as part of the European City of Culture and was an indoor celebration at the Tramway.
It has also been held in Queens Park before moving to Kelvingrove where it has grown to a massive celebration with hundreds of artists and performers from all over the world.

Performances are held throughout the day and there will be a wide range of food on offer as well as dozens of stalls.