Welcome to Desi Fest Luton, the annual large-scale outdoor celebration that brings the vibrant spirit of Luton to life! Over two days, we present an extravaganza of entertainment featuring a mesmerizing line-up of talented artists. With the support of Luton Rising and Luton Borough Council, our event offers something for everyone, from kids to adults, with a wide & diverse range of activities and experiences to enjoy.

 

The word "Desi" refers to people of Subcontinental background, but as a lingo, it represents the 2nd and 3rd generation of British Asians. Desi Fest provides a platform for British Asian celebration, embracing both contemporary and traditional expressions, showcasing community heritage, and conveying contemporary narratives while looking towards the future.

 

At Desi Fest Luton, we proudly showcase the talent of Luton's British Asian artists, creatives, and producers of national repute. Our festival embodies the expression and celebration of British Asian culture through popular, vibrant, and contemporary artistic mediums. From music, dance, and performance to spoken word, circus arts, film and video, and visual arts, we embrace the rich tapestry of creative expression.

 

Step into our Kids Zone, a haven of excitement and fun for the little ones. From interactive games and face painting to storytelling and craft workshops, there's no shortage of entertainment to keep the kids captivated and enthralled. Let their imaginations run wild as they explore and create unforgettable memories.

 

For those looking to prioritize their well-being, our Health Zone awaits. Engage in invigorating fitness activities, join yoga and meditation sessions, and gain valuable knowledge from wellness workshops. Nourish your mind, body, and soul as you embark on a journey of self-care and holistic rejuvenation.

 

Indulge your taste buds in our mouth-watering food stalls that showcase cuisines from around the world. From sizzling street food to tantalizing desserts, we bring you a culinary experience like no other. Sample the flavours of Desi cuisine, as well as international delights that cater to all palates. Treat yourself to a gastronomic adventure that will leave you craving for more.

 

Beyond being an event, Desi Fest Luton is a celebration of unity, diversity, and community. We believe in the power of bringing individuals from different backgrounds together, fostering a sense of togetherness and promoting cultural exchange. It is within this melting pot of traditions and cultures that we discover the true uniqueness of our city, bridging gaps and creating lasting memories. 🎉🌟

 

Desi Fest 2025 will be on 19th and 20th July  showcases rich  musical heritage of South Asian communities

South Asian music comprises a range of prominent musical genres that are unique to the countries in and around the Indian subcontinent. This subregion of Asia includes countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, , India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, with each one possessing its own distinct musical traditions. South Asian styles of music reflect a diverse range of local customs, regional languages and historical traditions, that have shaped the musical practices which are still seen today through events such as ours.

Throughout history, South Asian musicians have emulated religious / spiritual beliefs as well as every day folk and rural culture into their compositions, resulting in the creation of musical styles such as Qawwali, Ghazal,  Hindustani classical music and Folk (Bhangra, Baul, Potowari Sher etc The development of forms of mass media in the 1980s and 1990s contributed to a new type of South Asian musical culture, as the rise of cinema and television resulted in the popularity of genres such as Bollywood and Lollywood. As a result of social media and modern streaming networks, folk and ritual music styles are still widely appreciated today, with many modern artists taking inspiration from the classical traditions that defined the history of South Asian music, thus the heritage informs the contemporary with a rich and unbroken on going connection which has been continued by diaspora communities here in the UK.

At Desi Fest, audiences are presented with dynamic live performances and presentations of all these diverse and rich musical genres with artists, at past festivals, such as The Khan Brothers Qawwali Ensemble, or Taha Sabri Qawwal, The AK Potowari Sher folk Group, the originators of UK Bhangra Channi Singh OBE of the Alaapgroup and Kumar & Dhami of Heera, Dhol drummers and Baul singers and classical sitarists.

Desi Fest is proud to keep our musical heritage alive and relevant to current audiences and as an inspiration to our future generations.
 

 #DesiFestLuton #UnityInDiversity #CulturalCelebration #KidsZone #HealthZone #FoodStalls

 

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