Party in the park
Reporter: KAREN DOHERTY
Date published: 28 June 2010
Crowds flock for fun in the sun at Oldham’s Mega Mela
MUSIC fans sizzled in the sun yesterday as thousands flocked to Alexandra Park for the annual Mega Mela featuring top acts from the Asian and international music scene.
Hunterz, H.Dhami and Juggy-D were among those on the main stage with footage broadcast on a big screen.
Families tucked into picnics on the grass while others enjoyed all the thrills of the fun fair.
Shazad Chaudray organised the event with family and said: “It was brilliant, a beautiful day.
“We had the summer weather and so many people enjoyed a good family event.
“I have been doing this since 2006 and the past three years we have had the most successful melas with no trouble. Everyone comes along and enjoys themselves.”
“We had two major radio stations there — Asian Sound Radio and the BBC Asian Network, the best female DJ and mainstream singers in the house.”
The event is one of 14 melas across the country — part of the BBC Asian Network’s summer of fun. Highlights will be shown on the BBC red button from August 16.
DJ Kayper, who presents the channel’s specialist music, is hailed as the country’s top Asian female DJ. The 26-year-old Londoner plays around the world.
She said: “All the melas we do are always so bright and colourful.
“It is a bonus that the weather was good because everyone was in a good mood.
“People know who is performing at all of our melas.
“They come out for the food and the fun fair, but there are certain people who come out for the acts on the main stage.”
Nadiya Begum (16) enjoyed the entertainment with family and friends .
She said: “I enjoyed the dancers, the music and all the performers on stage. I come every year but this has been the best.”
Shailed Patel, enjoying a picnic with family, said: “It’s better than Manchester Mela.
“Manchester has too many people, too many stalls and too many shops. There is a good atmosphere here.”
