There’s more to Bradford Mela than just music – some of the most memorable moments come from where you least expect them…
1. Shaid Malik (1990, 1993, 1994)
Bradford’s internationally acclaimed magician performed death defying feats of escapology suspended high above the crowds - bringing a touch of magic to the Mela.
2. The Pierotters (1991, 1994, 1998)
This quirky white-faced entertainment troupe stroll around doling out nostalgic tunes and seaside humour to people in all corners of the park.
3. External Combustion (1989-1995)
Day time pyrotechnic shows with mascaletta (sound and confetti) fireworks, clouds of colourful smoke and flaming set pieces.
4. Skinning the Cat (1990-1992, 1995, 1997)
Atmospheric and visually breathtaking performances by female aerial trapeze artists.
5. Marshall’s Fun Fair (1988-present)
Every year Bradford Mela hosts one of the biggest funfairs in the Yorkshire, featuring white knuckle rides and quieter rides for all the family.
6. Destination Earth (2008)
This special zone allowed children to journey across the globe, taking part in different activities in each country along the way in 2008.
7. Black Literature Festival and Book Festival (1994, 1995)
Bringing together some of the most interesting and influential voices in British literature in a celebration of poetry and the spoken word, featuring Benjamin Zephaniah and Levi Tafari amongst others.
8. Roop Singh (between 1991 and 2008)
This charismatic Sikh storyteller is instantly recognisable for his full beard and colourful turbans, and enthrals people of all ages with his stories and puppet making.
9. Kala Sangam (2000, 2003, 2005, 2008)
Bringing people together through workshops and performances of classical South Asian art forms
10. Nachda Punjab (1990, 1992-1997, 2000)
Keeping traditional Punjabi bhangra dancing alive through routines using traditional bhangra moves, instruments, music and costumes,
11. Mind The Gap (1992)
Award winning Bradford based, disability related theatre company with a national reputation.
12. Green Roadshow (1996)
An early demonstraton of environmentally friendly, alternative technologies from Bradford Environmental Action Trust, included a wind and solar powered circus.
13. Asian Sports
Introducing a number of Asian sports to a wider audience such as Kabaddi, Beeni (a form of arm wrestling) and Pathar (stone lifting). In recent years young people have taken part in the ECB and Bradford Bulls Roadshows and tested their fitness and agility in the b-active challenge. There have also been celebrity appearances from sporting heroes such as Amir Khan, and Chacha Cricket (Pakistan’s number 1 cricket fan).
14. Bombay Baja (2001)
This Indian marching band combine popular melodies with powerful brass instruments and driving dhol beats.
15. IOU Theatre (2001)
Puzzling and perplexing, but always entertaining and thought provoking theatre group.
16. Art Junkies (1990)
Irreverant artists Tim Noble and Sue Webster led a workshop creating sculptures from rubbish at the Mela, and have since gone one to be top of the international contemporary art scene, exhibiting in the Royal Academy and the Saatchi Gallery.
17. No Fit State Circus (1990-1992)
Contemporary circus company that brings a fresh approach to the traditional, with plenty of audience participation.
18. Calcutta Drum Orchestra
Led by Pandit Shankar Ghosh, who is hailed as one of the master percussionists in Indian Classical Music, this experimental all-drum orchestra uniquely featured melodies played on specially tuned tabla drums.
19. Hafla! (1994)
Celebrating Morocco’s rich blend of Arab, Berber and African popular traditions. Over 50 outstanding artists formed a dazzling ensemble of musicians, dances, acrobats and craftspeople.
20. Cragg Vale Gamelan
Workshops and performances from this Indonesian inspired percussion orchestra, which uses a variety of percussion instruments such as gongs and metallophones made from recycled materials.
21. Street Entertainment
There have been a whole host of strolling players who have mingled with the crowds bring a laughter and fun along the way - Avanti Display’s fountain machine and ‘spurting man’; the giant Scotsman Big Rory; crazy ballroom dancers Stickleback Plasticus; stories, songs and nonsense from Poppets Puppets; Saroste jugglers; The Peace Artists street band … to name but a few!
