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.