The top team of this year’s Croydon Mela will be led by three women.

And organisers have made a commitment that each main stage act will feature at least one woman.

On Saturday, July 14, the annual celebration of Croydon’s Asian communities will return to Wandle Park.

This year Croydon Council has appointed three local women to bring the residents closer to the organisation of the event.

Cultural producer Chetna Kapacee has more than 18 years of experience working in the creative and non-profit sectors, working on a variety of projects

nationally and internationally.

Malti Patel of Croydon-based Apsara Arts, Indian dance company, is responsible for organising the Mela Rung Family Zone.

It will feature The Bridge of Stories, a growing installation made up of stories from people across Croydon. It will also have a performance stage for dance,

spoken word and poetry.

And the the Dance Dhamaka Stage will be programmed by Anusha Subramanyam of Beeja Dance.

It will showcase some of the best dance companies from Croydon and beyond. It will feature a mix of South Asian classical and folk styles, Bollywood as well as dance forms from around the world.

Each main stage act will include one woman in their line-up.

Chetna Kapacee said: “Traditionally melas both in India and the UK

have been incredibly male-dominated – be it the organisers or the music artists and bands selected to participate.

“We simply wanted to create a platform to not only encourage inclusivity, but to showcase the hidden and untapped female talent that exists. This is not

about being politically correct, we’re just opening people’s eyes.”

The free event will take place from 1-8pm. Last year saw thousands descend on Wandle Park to celebrate the borough’s diversity.

Councillor Oliver Lewis, Croydon’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said: “We’re proud to support Croydon Mela as one of the highlights of Croydon’s cultural calendar, and pleased that our local community is at the heart of this year’s event, with three Croydon women leading the programming.”