School holds funeral service for plague victims discovered under playground

The remains of around eighty 17th Century plague victims discovered underneath an Edinburgh school playground have been laid to rest. Pupils from St Mary’s Primary School in Leith helped the city council hold a memorial service on Friday. Continue reading School holds funeral service for plague victims discovered under playground

Leith’s going Bollywood!

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The Edinburgh Mela launched its 2015 programme yesterday at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall in Dalmeny Street.

Launching the event, Cabinet Secretary for Culture Fiona Hyslop MSP said: “The Edinburgh Mela is a major highlight in Scotland’s vibrant festivals calendar, uniting people from all backgrounds and beliefs to participate in diverse cultural and creative activities.

“Through the Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund, the Scottish Government is proud to support the Mela to deliver world class performances, grow its international reputation and build engagement with local communities.

“The £80,000 we have awarded this year to support the Mela World Dance piece ‘Goddess’ and ‘A Bollywood Love Story’, a collaboration with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, will delight audiences both at home and abroad. This takes the total sum awarded to the Mela to more than £800,000 since the Expo Fund was set up in 2007.”

Shami Khan, Chair of Mela’s Board of Directors, added: “I am delighted to see the Edinburgh Mela continue to flourish and celebrate its success as Scotland’s largest festival of world music and dance inspired by South Asian culture.

“Every year audiences and performers from across the world flock to Leith Links for the Mela which is made possible by our team of dedicated staff, community groups, individuals and volunteers who make the festival such a fantastic event for all the people of this great city”.

Running on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August, Scotland’s largest celebration of world music and dance will celebrate its 21st edition in style with a packed programme of live music and dance across three stages, plus interactive family shows in the Mela Kidzone and the irresistible sights and smells of street food from around the world in the Global Food Village.

The diverse, internationally-reaching arts festival will see artists from across the globe entertain crowds of 30,000 locals and visitors in an unmissable two-day celebration at Leith Links.

World class headliners on the Main Stage

The 2015 Main Stage supported by Lebara Mobile is the heart of the Edinburgh Mela party, boasting crowd-pleasing live sets from some of the biggest names in world music today.

Saturday’s live highlights include superstars in the making Raxstar and Mumzy protégé turned electrifying break-out star Junai Kaden, plus extended performances from featured artists Ayrad, six talented multi-instrumentalists from Canada who navigate between Andalusian and Berber rhymes over reggae and Latin grooves with some awe-inspiring improvisational skills, and an intoxicating mix of African desert blues and Indian rhythms from two-time Juno Award winner Kiran Alhuwalia.

Saturday night then goes out with a bang with a show-stopping gig from Birmingham’s superstar bhangra producer and singer-songwriter Sukshinder Shinda.

Ease yourself into Sunday with Bengali singing sensation Suzana Ansar, young Pakistani Qawaali singers the Chishti Brothers, the inimitable Bollywood Brass Band, mixing up traditional brass band trombones and trumpets with Johnny Kalsi and members of the Dhol Foundation on dhol-drums, and British-Indian Asian Underground bhangra beats courtesy of Swami before the Main Stage climax, the spectacular Bollywood Love Story.

Bollywood glamour comes to Leith in A Bollywood Love Story

An unmissable Mela moment, the Main Stage will play host to the festival’s signature show Bollywood Love Story. Directed by Sanjoy Roy of Teamwork Arts the Edinburgh Mela’s ground-breaking collaboration with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and will see a cast of top Bollywood dance professionals from India perform alongside 40 talented local performers drawn from Edinburgh and Scotland’s diverse communities in a classic Bollywood tale of romance and adventure.

Having performed highlights of the show at Edinburgh Castle every night in August in front of a global audience of millions at the Tattoo, the company will come together to perform the dazzling full-length show which is set to be the defining moment of the 2015 Edinburgh Mela.

Breathtaking moves on the Mela World Dance Feste Stage

Dance remains a major part of the Edinburgh Mela, with the dedicated Mela World Dance Feste Stage showcasing the best contemporary and traditional dance talent from across the world over the two days.

The Mela continues to cement its reputation as a commissioning body for innovative new dance work with the premiere of its 2015 commission Goddess, an exploration of goddesses across global cultures and religions choreographed by Edinburgh’s Alan Greig.

There’s also the welcome return of Jenny and Ricardo Oria – stars of the hit 2013 Mela commission Star Crossed- bringing their own authentic Argentinian tango set to the Mela. Joining them on the World Dance Feste Stage are Quebec’s La Otra Orilla with Moi & Les Autres, a spirited re-invention of flamenco by charismatic choreographer and dancer Myriam Allard and singer Hedi Graja; the jaw-dropping Roadworks, a raucous, laugh-out-loud hip hop battle like no other as B-Boys take on BMX riders; the sensational winner of the South Asian category in this year’s ‘BBC Young Dancer Of The Year’ competition, Vidya Patel with a new interpretation of classic Kathak dance; infectious beats from Glasgow’s irrepressible Desi Bravehearts and South Asian-inspired dance with a contemporary narrative twist courtesy of Edinburgh’s own Dance Ihayami.

Catch the up-and-coming stars of the future on the new Awaz FM Mela Mix Stage.

New for 2015, the Edinburgh Mela is delighted to be working with Scotland’s top Asian Radio Station Awaz FM to host the first-ever Awaz FM Mela Mix Stage. The line-up boasts some of the finest up-and-coming acts from the world music scene. This is a rare chance to catch them in an intimate festival setting. The handpicked line-up of hotly tipped talent includes G-Town Desi, Krown, Edinburgh’s own Swaryatra, Northern-Exposure, Dangerman and traditional Polish music from Weilkopolska.

Families are invited to Go Bananas! In the Mela Kidzone, plus the best in food, fashion and shopping all on-site

One of the most family-friendly events in Edinburgh’s Festival calendar, children aged 12 and under come free to the festival and have their very own Mela Kidzone to explore. This year Mela audiences young and old are invited to Go Bananas! and enjoy a host of live performances, professionally led dance workshops, interactive craft sessions and other hands-on activities.

An absolute Edinburgh Mela favourite, the Global Food Village is a must-visit for keen foodies or anyone with a rumbling tum! Growing every year, it features delicious street food from around the world including sweet and savoury specialities from across Asia.

If you’re thirsty, don’t miss the beautifully decorated Kingfisher beer truck – an eye-catching photo opportunity which handily transforms into a bar serving ice cold pints of India’s No.1 beer.

Other returning favourites include the Mela Fashion Show as local models strut their stuff on the catwalk decked out in the latest in women’s, men’s and children’s fashions and the Mela Marketplace, the perfect place to browse and pick up beautiful handcrafts and stunning sari fabrics, plus friendly information on local charities and organisations.

Chris Purnell, Director of the Edinburgh Mela, said: “It gives me great pleasure to announce the Mela programme for 2015. The Mela brings together the highest quality performances from international stars of the world music and dance scene and home grown talent, in a pulsating celebratory mix of everything vital about our many rich and diverse cultures.

“Our commissioned work continues to enthral audiences drawn from all communities across the city and Scotland, and this year, that trajectory is maintained with some truly inspiring pieces. Together with a packed programme of artists and performances across three stages, representing a myriad of styles, I hope that everyone will take away a special moment of their own”.

 

Keen to make the festival as affordable as possible for all, Mela attendees are encouraged to buy the £4 Early Bird ticket, available until noon on Friday 28 August.

Tickets for this year’s Edinburgh Mela Festival are on sale now via www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk, on the Ticket Hotline 0131 226 0008 or pop in to the Edinburgh Fringe Box Office on the High Street. No booking fees are charged. After this time, tickets are £5 on the gate. Children aged 12 and under go free and children’s tickets can be pre-booked alongside your order.

Book online at www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk

Police seek witnesses to Leith Links attack

police (4)Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following a serious sexual assault in Leith Links in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The incident happened at 1am, when a 28-year-old woman was approached by a man who produced a knife before subjecting her to the attack. The man then made off and the victim contacted police.

The suspect is described as being of Pakistani/South Asian appearance and wearing a grey hooded top and black tracksuit bottoms. Anyone who can assist with this ongoing enquiry is asked to come forward.

Detective Inspector Keith Fairbairn said: “This was a horrendous attack, which left the victim deeply distressed and she is now being supported by Police Scotland and other relevant partner agencies.

“The incident was carried out in a public area and we are keen to hear from anyone who was in or around Leith Links in the early hours of Thursday morning and saw anything suspicious.

“Similarly, anyone who recognises the description of the suspect, or who has any further information that can help us trace the man responsible is also asked to contact police immediately.”

Chief Inspector Sara Buchanan said: “We understand that this incident may have an impact on the local community and so high-visibility patrols are currently being deployed within the Leith Links to engage with members of the public and offer reassurance.

“In addition officers will be liaising with relevant partner agencies to assist anyone affected by this attack.

“I would urge anyone who wishes to speak with an officer in relation to this incident to approach one of the officers at the scene, contact 101 or make an anonymous report via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Leith Links sex attack: man charged

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A 24-year-old man has been charged with rape following a serious sexual assault on Leith Links in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The incident happened at 1am, when a 28-year-old woman was approached by a man who produced a knife before subjecting her to the attack. The man then made off and the victim contacted police.

Detective Inspector Keith Fairbairn said: “This was a horrendous attack, which left the victim deeply distressed and she is now being supported by Police Scotland and other relevant partner agencies.

“The incident was carried out in a public area and we are keen to hear from anyone who was in or around Leith Links in the early hours of Thursday morning and saw anything suspicious.

“Similarly, anyone who recognises the description of the suspect, or who has any further information that can help us trace the man responsible is also asked to contact police immediately.”

Chief Inspector Sara Buchanan said: “We understand that this incident may have an impact on the local community and so high-visibility patrols are currently being deployed within the Leith Links to engage with members of the public and offer reassurance.

“In addition officers will be liaising with relevant partner agencies to assist anyone affected by this attack.

“I would urge anyone who wishes to speak with an officer in relation to this incident to approach one of the officers at the scene, contact 101 or make an anonymous report via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

MELA looking for volunteers

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The Edinburgh Mela Festival 2014 is looking for volunteers

Friday 29 – Sunday 31 August

A carnival atmosphere with a vibrant and exciting mix of dance, music, street art and theatre, The Edinburgh Mela Festival is a lively, colourful event for all the family.

We are looking for enthusiastic and friendly volunteers to join the Festival team, so if you are looking for a fun, summer experience then this is the opportunity for you…

We are looking for volunteers in the following areas:

Artist Liaison, Audience Services, Market Stalls, Kids and family area, Green Recycling Team and Marketing.

We provide:

Ø A volunteer training session, which will give you a chance to meet your volunteer colleagues

Ø Travel expenses to and from the Festival

Ø A meal per shift plus refreshments from our hospitality area

Ø 2 complimentary day tickets

Ø A limited edition Mela t-shirt

Ø You will be able to ask for a reference on successful completion of your volunteer post

You will be asked to attend a short, informal interview and training session.

To find out more, please contact Antonia Dickson on 07870621086 or email volunteer@edinburgh-mela.co.uk; alternatively write to The Edinburgh Mela, Unit 14, Abbeymount Techbase, 2 Easter Road, Edinburgh, EH7 5AN

The deadline for all opportunities is Sunday 10 August.

http://www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk/

MELA

New venue for Edinburgh Moonwalk

Leith Links will be the location for this year’s MoonWalk Edinburgh charity fundraiser, and while it’s a bit chilly to be thinking about such things just now, registration for the June event is now open!

New Year, New Moon, New You!

Grant-making breast cancer charity Walk the Walk is delighted to announce two new and very exciting Power Walking challenges for The MoonWalk Edinburgh Scotland on June 8. The event is also being held at a brand new venue – Leith Links.

Sign up for the New Moon and you can join a huge sleepover.  Not so much sleep, but you will be able to walk 6.6 miles, or get a team of four together to complete a Marathon between you. Best of all, whilst you wait for your turn to walk, you can snuggle up, eat popcorn and watch films in our huge pink tent. If you’ve never taken part in a Marathon, this is a great place to start.

Or if you are looking for the next extreme challenge, then the “Over the Moon” is for you. Two MoonWalks back to back, covering a distance of 52.4 miles!

Walk the Walk is still offering its famous Half Moon (13.1 miles) and Full Moon (26.2 miles) challenges, with all walkers uniting together to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.

All walkers over the age of 13 wear Walk the Walk’s trademark brightly decorated bras. This year’s theme is “Psychedelic Extravaganza”, where the swinging 60’s meets 2013!

The MoonWalk Edinburgh Scotland has raised in excess of £15 million since it was launched eight years ago. Most of the money raised stays in Scotland, helping to improve the lives of people with cancer. More than £1.5 million was raised by the 2012 event alone.

Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk The Walk said: “Anybody can do The MoonWalk. I have seen many women and men over the years commit to taking part, with no idea of how they are actually going to achieve it. Most of them have never done any regular exercise, let along taken part in a Marathon.
It really is wonderful that with the support of thousands of people in Scotland, Walk the Walk has succeeded in raising more than £15 million, making a huge difference to the lives of cancer patients across Scotland. We also know from the many thousands of letters we receive, that by taking part in The MoonWalk, we are helping people to become fitter and healthier, changing their lives for the better. So, come and join our Magical Mystery Tour, a Psychedelic Extravaganza, where anything goes, as long as it is bright and bold”!

Entries for The MoonWalk Edinburgh Scotland are now open. To enter and for more information about Walk the Walk, go to www.walkthewalk.org

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