Crawley International Mela, July 20-22, 2012

 
After a great 2011 festival season CIMA is working on a new, austerity-busting 2012 programme. If you're tired of gloomy news and gloomy weather, we have a solution! The first piece of good news is that the 2012 Mela festival is scheduled for July 20/22 at the Hawth, with a confirmed Friday night feature event involving Jazzy B and an army of local talent.

What else is on the calendar for 2012? A new slogan and theme for starters: "Diamond Jubilee: A Commonwealth of Cultures" means more diversity than ever but solidly based on everybody's favourite Bhangra beats. We're hoping to get 4X4 and looking at some amazing PAs as well as returning favourites from last year.

On the international front, we're hoping for the return of the fabulous Gypsy Stars and a new Lithuanian dance troupe hot off the plane from Vilnius together with Caribbean and other acts. Sunday is being planned as a Street Festival day so prepare to dance - it isn't optional!

We're also looking at off-stage interactive acts and hope to keep you surprised and amused. The pre-Mela events are also happening this year, with a special School Parade with banners from around the world and more outreach tasters to get everyone in the mood.

Meanwhile, don't forget the 2011 Photo Archive for some great photos by Waldemar Jarecki and others.

Crawley Mela - Photo by Waldemar Jarecki - Stilt Dancers portray Deception in the Forest from the Ramayana.

Information for Small Businesses, Charities and Sponsors

Small Business On Display

We treasure our retailers because they make it possible for us to bring the festival to you.

If you'd like to see who participated in 2011, please browse the Supporters page.

If you would like a stall but have not booked yet, now is the time. Pitch fees are the lowest they've been since 2006 and all prices have remained unchanged from 2011. To apply for a pitch please see the Business page.