The stage is set for brand new Asian arts and drama festival

Lindi Bilgorri finds out how preparations are going for High Wycombe's first ever Asian Mela on The Rye.

ASIAN art, music, and drama will be showcased in High Wycombe's first ever Asian Mela next summer.

The Mela, a festival of arts, is backed by Asian Arts 2000 (AA2000), an organisation set up in 1993 to promote Asian arts and culture in the Wycombe District.

Wycombe's Mela is due to be held on The Rye from August 14 to 15.

Dr Mo Aslam, chairman of AA2000, says: "Birmingham had a large Mela at the NEC last weekend. Places like Bradford, Leicester and Glasgow, where they have large Asian communities, have had Melas for a number of years.

"The Asian Arts 2000 feels the community round here has been neglected, also this Mela should benefit everyone in the area."

The Mela is like a carnival or festival, where there is a fairground, Asian music, Asian drama and Asian art. Dr Aslam hopes that it will appeal to all sections of the community and not just Asians living in the district.

He explains: "We live in a multicultural society now and this should be something for the wider community to enjoy.

"Some of the Asian songs, the Asian pop groups and the Asian artists are appearing on TV and in the charts now. There is a greater interest in Asian arts."

AA2000 is hoping to attract some stars from the Indian arts world to the Mela to take part in festivities.

Dr Aslam said young people from the area will be getting involved in the organisation of the event and the performing and he is hoping to get The Princes Trust and businesses in the area involved too.

"We are working very closely with Wycombe District Council, local businesses and the community to bring events like this to Wycombe for the very first time."

"We hope that there is a lot interest and support for the Mela and we hope that it might become and annual event."

Richard Sockett, Wycombe District Council's arts development officer, says: "I welcome this initiative from Asian Arts 2000 and urge local people to support the Mela."

Dr Alsam adds: "We want this to be an event for the whole community where everyone can help and contribute."

% For more information about the event, or if you are interested in supporting the Mela, contact AA200 on (01438) 769523

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