In this guest post, Liam Sinclair, director of the Edinburgh Mela Festival, describes what’s on offer at this year’s multicultural festival which runs from 7 – 9 August 2009.

“It’s nearly that time of year again where the streets, parks and buildings of Edinburgh will be filled with festival goers from all over the world. 2009 is also a year to remember as Scotland celebrates its year of Homecoming, so why not join me in the celebrations at one of Scotland’s most talked about multicultural festivals – the Edinburgh Mela.

August is one of the busiest times of year for me as the Edinburgh Mela gears up to showcase talent and performances from different parts of the world from as far away as Iran and Africa. The programme has just been printed and we are now ready to reveal one of Scotland’s most eagerly awaited culturally diverse Festival programmes.

Why not take a trip to Pilrig Park, Leith on either the 7, 8, or 9th of August and be welcomed by the lovely aromas of Indian, south Asian and Bengali cuisines, the sound of Bollywood singing, beats and drums of bhangra and Japanese Taiko drumming and the laughter of Mela goers as they make their way around the array of stalls at the park. These are just a few of the performances and goodies the Edinburgh Mela has to offer.

It’s a family event and great value for money where children under 12 go free, so why not bring them along and let them explore the dedicated children’s area at the park which is supporting the theme of ‘Through the Forest’ this year giving children the opportunity to becoming familiar with the outdoors. Various workshops will be running over the weekend where children can learn how to henna paint, make Chinese knotting baskets and also watch various shows such as the forest creature’s puppet show.

Where else other than Edinburgh can you immerse yourself into a bazaar like atmosphere picking up bargains and at the same time hear eclectic Iranian Jazz with singing in French, Farsi, Arabic and Scottish. Not only that but one of my favourites which I can’t wait to see is our Homecoming project called Yatra Journeys Home where Scottish, Bhangra and Japanese music collaborate to produce a profound mix of cultures and with the added element of dance by Dance Ihayami and film this piece is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

One area of the festival which is out of bounds even for me is the Big Top on Friday where Sakhian Ladies only night takes place. Women can get up and dance all night long to a top Bhangra artist and indulge into the Indian buffet on offer”