Sandwell & Birmingham Mela wins Best UK Mela at 2014 National Awards
The Sandwell & Birmingham Mela which takes place in Victoria Park, Smethwick has won and been titled the “Best UK Mela” at the UK Bhangra Awards 2014 in London.
The free two-day festival – the biggest in the UK – is a celebration of South Asian Culture. The Sandwell & Birmingham Mela attracted over 125,000 people in 2014 with a performance from the biggest Punjabi actor and singer, Gippy Grewal. The Mela also stages musical and community talent with national performances, workshops and a variety of participation activities.
Sandwell & Birmingham Mela Director Danny Singh said, “Winning this award is a great achievement for us and the community, it shows that the people of Sandwell & Birmingham really love the Mela. The Mela is the biggest of its kind in the UK and with the support from the public and partner organisations we will be making next year bigger and better!”
Sandwell Council leader Councillor Darren Cooper said, “The Mela is a real highlight of the calendar, bringing together community events and international stars and open to everyone with a feast of entertainment, food and activities. Congratulations to all who were involved in organising this event on this national award – it is very well deserved.”
The red-carpeted awards ceremony was one of the biggest Asian extravaganzas of the year that filled with live performances, dances, celebrations and recognition of the best in the UK’s Entertainment industry and attended by A-list Asian Artists.
Nesdi Jones, who collaborated with Indian’s biggest artist Yo Yo Honey Singh at the Mela, also won the Best Newcomer award.
Sandwell & Birmingham Mela was founded in 2011 and is run by a volunteer organisation and supported by the Arts Council England and partner organisations.
