Inaugural Sheffield Mela to become annual event

The celebration is aimed to mirror the success of partner event Desi Fest Luton

A celebration of south Asian culture is planned to become an annual event in Sheffield, organisers said.

The inaugural Desi Fest Sheffield Mela runs from 12:00-20:00 at Firth Park and promises live music, dance, youth workshops, information stalls and funfair rides.

The free event will also promote national South Asian Heritage Month, which runs until 17 August and is the work of the South Asian Heritage Trust charity.

Desi Fest Sheffield Mela would "revive and rejuvenate community spirits" and create a "rejoicing atmosphere", the event said.

Desi is a term used for people and things from the south Asian community, with Mela a Sanskrit word meaning “gathering” or “to meet”.

The idea for the event came from Faisal Yaqoob Sultani, who helped to organise a similar festival in Luton.

"It's a few years since the Covid pandemic hit, but even today some people remain in the habit of keeping away from others," Mr Sultani said.

"Coupled with the cost of living crisis, people have been demoralised."

He continued: "They need to come together to understand different cultures and get to know each other - that's what we want to see through this event."

The event will also feature street food and cooking demonstrations, with a diverse bill of music acts booked.

Headline artist Roach Killa performs a blend of reggae and hip-hop, with acts also including local artists Amjid & Party and Susovan Sarkar.

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