Leith Links had a taste of the forthcoming Edinburgh Mela this morning, with the launch of their 2010 festival programme.
The centrepiece was a preview performance of Cargo, a large scale piece of outdoor theatre which explores stories about the "universal need to migrate."
Other highlights will include a fashion show, with local designers being encouraged to work with a gift of Harris Tweed to make garments such as designer saris, and "Naturally Inspired," the Mela's first cross festival collaboration, which will see it joining forces with the International Jazz and Storytelling festivals.
The logistics of the event, which has attracted between 20-25,000 people in recent years, was also a topic of conversation at Leith Links community council last night.
The Mela is a ticketed event, and requires 2 km of fencing for the giant enclosure. Alastair Tibbit, a local community councillor, asked whether the festival could provide some direct financial benefits for Leith Links, rather than simply paying a rental fee to the council, of just over £1500.
In response Liam Sinclair, the Edinburgh Mela Festival Director, said that the area got "a fantastic community event" and pointed out that the ticket price was only £2.50 for adults for the day, and free for children.
The Edinburgh Mela takes place on Leith Links from August 6 to 8.
