OUR Mela freaks have been out and about gathering information on what's what and who's where for Summer 2003.

So for the third year running here's the low-down on Melas happening in your area. (All dates and venues are correct at time of going to press)

BOLTON MELA

Spar Road playing fields

Sun July 27th

We missed the Bolton crew out last year so we made sure we got as many details as possible this year...however sketchy. Now in it's fifth year a family and community focus should make it a worthwhile day out.

MELA MANCHESTER

Heaton Park

Sun 27th July

Isn't it great...two melas in one city. Well we're not complaining.

It rained like it's never rained before last year but organisers still managed to put on a show.

They'll be hoping the weather holds up this year and if it does you could be in for a treat. A total of 125 stalls hailing from more nationalities than any other mela. Whereas the standard of bands is slightly below and the mela is not as well established as it's South Manchester counterpart the festival still has a great flavour to it.

PRESTON MELA

Avenham Park

Sun Aug 3rd

Much like years gone by this mela is family focused.

That doesn't mean they don't have the bands every mela goer hankers for, but the number of community groups that get involved is still amazing.

The marquees are always full of of small but interesting community based activities displaying a range of activities for people who don't want to dance till they drop.

It's also very good for the kids despite not having a massive funfair most other melas always tend to provide.

The whole impact was lost last year though as rain put paid to all the plans and it ended up being an indoor bazaar at the Guild Hall. You can't do anything about the weather but you can do something about a real big act.

MANCHESTER MEGA MELA

Platt Fields Park

Sun 24th Aug & Mon 25th

Yes that's right Monday. This year's mela takes place a month after it's regular date on the Bank Holiday weekend.

Manchester has been vastly improving it's mela for the past couple of years and they are never short of ideas.

The two stages and the layout were good a year ago. There was a great variety of stalls each bringing something new to the festival.

The atmosphere has a flavour of it's own only the City of Manchester can provide.

The line-up hasn't been announced just yet but we are told there is going to be more BBC input into this year's festival and a bigger jobs fair.

But as in years gone by the punters are unhappy with the entry fee. Charging people to get into the mela is a real let down. It would be OK if all the food was free when you got inside but then having to pay a quid for a can of cola really puts you off.

The best of the rest...

Edinburgh Mela

Pilrig Park (off Leith Walk)

Friday 29 - Sun 31 August

The historic city of Edinburgh has it all and it's worth the three hours drive.

Music, colour, dance, art, fashion, food, children's activities and the Mela bazaar. Plus the normal friendly Scottish welcome.

Southall Mela

Sat Aug 30th - Sun 31st

We thought we'd include this one because when they have problems down south they really have problems.

Last year, the mela was canceled due to a £24,000 traffic management order...which was imposed because of complaints concerning yes you guessed it...congestion.

The organisers couldn't pay that much and even Mayor of London Ken Livingston got involved.

If they do manage to go ahead this year expect the biggest bands and crowds only a capital city can provide. By the way leave the motor at home and use the tube.

Leicester Mela 2003

Abbey Park

Sat July 12th and Sun 13th

There's nothing better than a mela in Leicester...well it rhymes if you say it quick enough.

For people power and sheer volume of traffic Leicester is second to none. Plus there's a carnival on the Sunday. No line up details as yet but anyone wanting information can call 0116 2221905.

Newcastle Mela

Exhibition Park

Sun 24th & Mon 25th Aug

Easily the largest mela in the North East attracting thousands from around the region.

Unlike Lancashire the area is host to only three major melas each year so the audience really get their moneys worth. Worth the drive up if you fancy a bash geordie style.