Godiva Lions Mela goes all Bollywood

A festival which brings communities together in a fun-filled ride through Indian culture brought out the sun and the smiles recently.

The 15th Godiva Lions Mela at Edgwick Park in Foleshill, Coventry showcased traditional and modern music and dancing - including a big Bollywood display.

There was plenty of Asian food and crafts, helping to raise hundreds of pounds for this year's chosen charity - the cancer ward at Coventry's University Hospital.

Although windy, the sun broke out in the afternoon and crowds gathered to watch the entertainment, enjoy the fairground rides and look around the 30 stalls selling Indian jewellery, clothing and food. Bhangra superstar Malkit Singh was headlining the show in the early evening.

Lion Indu Aggarwal said: "The event brings all ethnic minorities together, there are lots of activities for people of all ages. "

Lion Mejar Singh Gill from Atherstone added "This is the most important day in Godiva Lions calendar. We raise so much money from the event which all goes to charity and we get visitors from all different communities, it is very multi-cultural."

The former mayor of Atherstone Martin Shaw said: "We were privileged enough to go to India and see the fantastic work that Godiva Lions do. They have funded so many projects overseas including eye camps that it is so important we support events like Mela. It is a wonderful event."

As well as a number of stalls, visitors had the chance to win a new Peugeot 107 in a raffle along with other big prizes which included travel vouchers, a flat screen TV and an iPod.

© 2008 Lions Clubs International