Mela kicks off with a night for the ladies

THE biggest-ever Edinburgh Mela will kick off on Sunday, with hundreds of performers coming from around the world.

The multicultural festival begins with a Ladies' Night, featuring music, dance and drama.

There will be a wide variety of events for all ages in the week-long festival, which is now at a new home, near Ocean Terminal.

Admission to many of the plays, concerts and other performances are either free or else included in the cost of the £2 entry pass.

Attractions include a Bollywood inspired fashion show, the Gypsy Arts Festival, the London Community Gospel choir and the Indian cinema classic Mother India accompanied by a contemporary live soundtrack.

There will also be children's activities and food stalls offering affordable international cuisine.

Liam Sinclair, the festival's director, said: "Though festival goers may be tightening their belt at the end of the month, the Edinburgh Mela has plenty to offer those on a budget.

"Extending the Mela to a full week and moving to the new Leith site has enabled us to showcase many more acts than in previous years. "

Entrance to the Mela site is free Monday to Friday.