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14 – 19 August 2017
In association with An Indian Summer
Produced by ArtReach, Night of Festivals will mark the 70th Anniversary of India and Pakistan’s independence by celebrating the vibrant spirit of South Asia through spectacular arts events.
The six day festival presents exclusive collaborations and exciting new work from internationally acclaimed artists and the local Leicester community in music, visual art, performance and dance. Night of Festivals South Asia will bring a new commission by visual artist Nayan Kulkarni to Leicester city’s ISKCON Building following the success of his Blade installation that heralded Hull’s City of Culture campaign earlier this year.
As part of the live music stage (15 – 19 August) in Humberstone Gate Dr Das, formerly of the Asian Dub Foundation, will bring the heavy bass lines of his solo project on Friday 18th followed by headliners Bandish Projekt. Other acts include pop and bhangra singer Iffi K, celebrated singer Samia Malik and percussionist Sandeep Raval.
Following a week of events, Night of Festivals South Asia will present “Little India” on Saturday 19 August – a final day of streets arts and performance that will bring Leicester City Centre to life, imitating the energy and bustle of an Indian market. Holi colour ‘flash mobs,’ Harminder the life size, pedal powered Indian elephant, dancers and performers will animate the High Street, offering entertainment for the whole family.
Overview of the Night of Festivals South Asia:
Live Music Stage
Tues 15 – Fri 18 August (5.30pm-11pm)
Sat 19 August (11am – 11pm)
Live stage in Humberstone Gate with a programme that includes – marking Indian Independence Day (in collaboration with the Gujarat Hindu Association); Bollywood Brass Band; Raza; Bapi Das Paul, Dhol Enforcement Agency; Iffi K; Aki Nawaz; Samia Malik (qawwali freedom project); Circus Raj; 4x4 Bhangra; the Sonia Sabri Company; Sandeep Raval; Hamid Ali Naqeeb Qawwali; Shama Rahman and Reggae Rajahs.
There will also be special stage performances by groups from the Indian Centre for Classical Dance, Nupur Arts, Swar Music and the Pakistan Youth and Community Centre.
Chai Walla Café
Wed 16 (2pm-5.30pm)
Thurs 17/Fri 18/Sat 19 August (11am-5.30pm)
Chai Walla Café provides a free cup of masala tea, snacks and a reflective space for those with direct experience of independence to record their stories. There will be an accompanying workshop programme, plus an extraordinary new installation by international artist Nayan Kulkarni in the ISKCON building (former bank) on Granby St.
Outdoor Cinema, in partnership with Inspirate
Friday 18 August (8.30pm – 11pm)
An outdoor cinema in Jubilee Square will present the Oscar nominated LION featuring Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman. Before this the International Kite Project will give the first opportunity for audience members to fly a digital kite across projected landscapes of South Asia on the Big Screen (8.30 – 9pm).
“Little India” Street arts and performance
Saturday 19 August (11am – 5.30pm)
A final day of streets arts and performance will bring Leicester City Centre to life, imitating the energy and bustle of an Indian market with Holi colour “flash mobs” (1pm and 3pm, Clock Tower), Harminder the life size, pedal powered Indian elephant, dancers and performers will animate Leicester High Street, offering entertainment for the whole family.
Full programme coming soon! Join the conversation online by following @NofFestivals on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or following the #NOFSouthAsia
Funding Partners:
