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Crowds enjoy the music
Such fun in the sun
28/ 7/2003
A true Indian summer hit Rochdale just in time for town's mega
mela.
Over 11000 people from all over Greater Manchester crowded
Springhill High School grounds in temperatures more reminiscent of
Dhaka or Lahore than the North West former-cotton towns.
Under a hot sun and cloudless sky artists from all over the world
dazzled the crowds with their performances as the weather hit
nearly 30 degrees.
World music was well represented. Groups included the Mancunian
Steel Band, Woomboom African drumming and the Shawforth Drum
Majorettes.
Performances by Bengali singer, Badal who was joined by the
Rochdale Bangladeshi Youth Association and classical tabla player
Shabaz Hussain also added to the international feel of the
festivities.
And of course a mela would not be the same without bhangra and
Bollywood numbers which had the crowds dancing throughout the
afternoon with the help of Manchester band Legacy who had a number
one hit with "Teri Sadqay".
Lead singer Tariq Khan later went round the crowds signing
autographs for young female fans.
Dancers from wowed the crowd as they swung their hips to Bollywood
hits including "Nikhamma" and "You are my Soniya".
Revellers were also treated to a funfair and sporting
activities.
Organiser Mohammed Sarwar said he was thrilled with the
turnout.
"It was a truly multicultural event, we were almost running out of
space for all the talent.
"It is an honourable event and a pleasure to organise - to have a
diverse programme which allows people to experience different
cultures is fantastic."
The Rochdale Mayor, Councillor Sultan Ali said this year's mela was
better than ever.
"It gives the community the opportunity to attend an event that's
free and well organised," he said.
Pictures by Tim Bradley
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