Edinburgh Mela

As the names suggests, the annual "Mela" is a "festival" or "fair" with a South Asian flavour, but incorporating Scottish and international performances and artists for a multi-cultural flavoured mix. It was founded in 1995.

In the space of an hour, you'll quite possibly watch African drumming, flamenco dancing, bhangra, and an emergency services demonstration, while chowing on hot samosas and sipping a chai tea. And where else would you catch Rabbie Burns in Urdu?

Mela times and place

The Mela took place on Leith Links in 2011, but has moved to the end of the Edinburgh Festivals schedule over the first weekend in September.

In 2009, The Mela took place in Pilrig Park and in early rather than late August. "The shift in timing of this year's Mela, due to the Islamic Holy month of Ramadan falling at the end of August, adds a different mix of performances for those travelling to Edinburgh for festivals such as the Fringe and Jazz festivals, which will be on at the same time," explained Edinburgh Mela director Liam Sinclair.

2008: The Mela moved further down Leith Walk to the area beside Ocean Terminal, for a longer 5-day festival at the end of August. It included a marketplace with performance marquees.