Marvellous Mela sets the Bay dancing

 

ASIAN beats rang out as colourful costumes lit up Cardiff Bay for the second annual Cardiff Multicultural Mela.Thousands enjoyed the stalls, live music, dancing, fashion shows and food at the celebration of the capital’s ethnic diversity.

It is the second year running the fun event has been organised by Cardiff multicultural arts and music voluntary committee. The term Mela comes from a Sanskrit word meaning gathering and is used in South Asia to relate to an outdoor festival.

One of the organisers Imran Iqbal said: “We want this to showcase the multiculturalism of our city and replicate other similar events which happen around the country. “I think it’s very important for Cardiff to have an event like this; the city deserves it. We organise it with no support in terms of funding from the arts council or the city council. It’s entirely funded by small businesses and a lot of the performers take part on a voluntary basis.”

Among those taking to the stage were belly dancing teacher Fiora Touliatou and her dance group Noelami, based in Roath, Cardiff. The colourfully dressed dancers felt they were an apt act for the festival since members originate from a variety of nations, including Greece, Lithuania, China, Wales and France. Fiora said: “It’s the first time we’ve been part of this but I think it’s great because there’s such a variety of cultures on show. There’s lots of different dancing and singing, it’s very lively and we’re really looking forward to performing.”

Musicians on stage included Ishmail Ali, from Carmarthen, and Hussain Khan, from Bristol, who together form Sultanhu. The duo plays a blend of acoustic eastern and western music called Sufi Folk. Hussain said: “We did Glastonbury Festival yesterday – that was really good. We had to leave early and rush to Cardiff for this. We did it last year and it was very nice so we were pleased to come back. It’s a great event to show the diversity that exists in Cardiff and integrate people from different communities. It gives people a chance to hear and see things they might not otherwise be familiar with.”

Among those watching were Nazma Miah, 18, from Llanrumney, Cardiff, who was enjoying a fashion show.

She said: “It’s a really good get- together with a lot of different things happening.”

by Katie Norman, South Wales Echo