South Asian Arts, Culture Celebrated at Coventry's Belgrade Theatre This Month

Following in the success of the Belgrade Mela 2014, JonquilsRose Events in association with Belgrade Theatre are delighted to announce the return of Coventry's annual, one-day South Asian Arts Festival on Sat 25 July.

Showcasing Coventry's South Asian arts, artists and arts organisations, the Belgrade Mela will see representatives from Coventry's diverse South Asian communities come together to celebrate South Asian arts in Coventry and to provide a showcase for emerging South Asian talent in the city.

Daytime Event, 11am - 5pm:

Building on the success of last year, visitors to the Mela can again look forward to a series of free workshops showcasing the best in traditional and modern Asian arts.

Workshops running between 11am - 5pm in the B2 auditorium this year include: Encouraging South Asians into Higher Education, Yoga, Bollywood Dancing, An Introduction to Classical Instruments and Learning to Play the Dhol.

Stallholders from across the South Asian community will be on hand throughout the afternoon selling traditional artisan crafts as well as a selection of sweet and savoury food items.

There will also be a free exhibition entitled - "Kahaani - we all have the same story" - a moving depiction of those who left their homeland to settle in a new foreign country.

Not forgetting young visitors, this year's family-friendly events programme will feature a range of free activities for children including face painting and a soft play area that will include ball pool, Didi cars, Happy Hoperz, and many more activities.

Evening Event, 7pm - 10pm:

During the evening, South Asian talent from across Coventry will take to the Belgrade Main stage for a 2 hour, 40 minute showcase featuring special guest star and Punjabi hit-maker; Sukshinder Shinda.

From his early beginnings as a musician at religious functions with his older brother Late Mohan Singh Nimmana in his hometown of Birmingham, Shinda's love for melody and rhythm has seen him flourish into a multi-percussionist, lead keyboardist, master producer and solo artist of immense stature. With guidance from the UK's most respected music names, tutor Kuldip Singh Matharu, dhol Ustaad Lal Singh Bhatti and his mentor Ustad Ajit Singh Matlashi, Sukshinder Shinda has built a solid foundation for his career that allows him to guide his peers and his own music protégés.

Widely regarded as one of the most energetic and best-loved multi-role performers in U.K Punjabi music today, Sukshinder Shinda will be on hand to perform classic his albums Jadoo and Rock Da Party plus a selection of exclusive tracks from his new album Collaborations 3.

Alongside with Mr Shinda, the evening event will feature a selection of home-grown talent from the local South Asian community which includes Masterclass Dhol Drummers - the best in the Dhol business, and Fine Lines who will be performing their unique fusion set of east meets west. Lovers of dance can look forward to a performance from Bollywood Infiniti who will be performing a fusion of Bhangra and street dance followed by an appearance from Sneha Singh who will be performing a solo act based on "Bollywood Diva's through the ages of dance".

Mela Artistic Director Nasreen Akhtar Khan commented: 'Following in the success of last year's 'Mela', 2015 is shaping up to be our biggest and best year yet. The Belgrade Mela is very much a community-wide event in which all south Asian religions, cultures and communities can come together as one to enjoy their culture. By choosing to hold the Mela at one of the city's premiere art's venues - rather than outdoors which is the traditional setting for celebrations of this type - we hope to encourage better access to the theatre amongst Coventry's South Asian communities. It's also a great way for the wider Coventry community to find out more about South Asian arts in the city. All of the workshops that feature in the programme have been set up for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy, whether it's learning how to play the 'Dhol' or trying your hand at Bollywood dance'.

Commenting on the evening programme, Nasreen added: 'To have secured the services of a name like Sukshinder Shinda is a huge coup for the theatre and for the city. Sukshinder is one of the biggest names in Punjabi music culture with a Twitter following in excess of 57, 000 and a dedicated fan base throughout the U.K. As an artist with over thirty years of experience both in India and the UK, Sukshinder's energy and showmanship make this an event you'll definitely want to add to your diaries. Alongside Mr Shinda, we'll also be showcasing a range of some of the best local South Asian talent from classical dance right through to modern-day Bollywood and more'.

Joanna Reid, Executive Director of the Belgrade Theatre added, 'We're delighted to be working in partnership with JonquilsRose Events to play host to the city's 2nd, annual Mela. Events such as these play a vital role in encouraging community cohesion in the city. By working with JonquilsRose Events to deliver this and similar events throughout the year, we hope to break down any real or perceived barriers to attendance South Asian audiences may face when accessing their local theatre or arts venue. It is our hope that audiences of all ages and backgrounds will join us to help celebrate the rich contribution made by South Asian arts and artists to Coventry today.'

Tickets for the evening show on the Belgrade Main stage are priced from £14.50 to £16.50. Foyer stalls will be open from 11am. Workshops will take place in B2 between 11am - 4pm. All workshops are free to attend but must be booked in advance via Box Office.

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