East meets west for family fun

Belgrade Theatre Mela, July 21.

It's back! Bollywood, fusion dance workshops, dhol drumming and afternoon chai...a vibrant celebration of South Asian culture all wrapped up in this summer's Belgrade Theatre Mela.

This will be the fifth year the free Mela is held in Coventry and this time staff and students at Warwick University are adding a new exhibition entitled Colonial Hangover.

Those not learning new dance moves or how to speak a few words in Hindi might enjoy listening to a talk about Britain's historic links with India along with some poetry recitals.

Belgrade spokeswoman Heather Kincaid said: "This event starts at noon on July 21 and offers a jam-packed programme of hands-on family fun from then until 5pm.

"As well as the workshops there'll be plenty of stalls to browse and maybe pick up a unique purchase or two."

The Belgrade cafe is also getting in on the act by offering Afternoon Chai - when east meets west with traditional cakes and sandwiches on offer, alongside samosas, pakoras and bhajis.