News 
Edinburgh Mela creates fantasy forest especially for children
14 July 2009
A fantasy forest, which celebrates traditional arts and crafts from around the world, will be the hub for children’s activities at this year’s Edinburgh Mela for young children and families.
The Children’s Programme, funded by the Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage, will include an arts and crafts area along with a performance/workshop space, bothdecorated to continue last year’s theme of ‘Through the Forest’. Activities will be inspired by nature with traditional crafts from Pakistan, Nepal and China featuring in particular.
Maida Ballarini, Development Officer for Forestry Commission Scotland is delighted with the children’s programme this year. She said:
“We are thrilled to be working once again with the Edinburgh Mela on their children’s programme. We want to show children and families how versatile and how much fun material from our natural surroundings can be. The Mela is a great platform to show people from all cultural backgrounds how woods and forests can accommodate arts and crafts.
“We are also delighted to bring the Edinburgh Puppet Lab Forest Creatures show to the Mela this year; it is definitely one fantastic show that you can bring children of all ages to watch.”
The Edinburgh Puppet Lab will be performing its Forest Creatures puppet show throughout the weekend –August 8 and 9 from 12.20pm to 5pm. Children of all ages and adults are encouraged to attend this show.
Joanna Boyce, Associate Producer of the children’s programme for the Edinburgh Mela, said:
“The FCS and SNH funding has allowed the children’s area to continue to develop its interactive multi-sensory approach working with a woodland theme within a context of intercultural exchange.
“There will be a dedicated children’s marquee just at the entrance to the Mela Festival at Pilrig Park. Inside there will be an arts and crafts activity area to explore alongside an active workshop space. All will be themed to resemble a forest of twisted trees, with birdsong and other sounds of nature helping to create an authentic atmosphere.”
The three countries featured will provide a range of opportunities including:
- Pakistan: Paper flower making, Traditional fabric painting, Handicrafts from Baluchistan and henna hand painting
- China: Lantern making, nature inspired calligraphy and making colourful dragonflies using the ancient art of Chinese Knotting
- Nepal: Leaf painting with real Peepal leaves brought fresh from the Himalayas, Buddhist Thangka Art , Kite making from re-cycled materials , learn how to make Nepali -style natural bowls and dishes from native Scottish leaves and help the Ghurkhas build a Yak herders hut (a Goth)
The forest Hub will be open to the public both Saturday and Sunday from 12noon until 7.30pm at which there will also be a changing programme of 30 minute music and dance workshops.
Over the weekend there will be a wealth of hands on and participatory activities on offer for children from 2 -11 yr olds.
Access to the Mela and all parts of the children’s programme is free for Under 12s. Over 12’s and adults only pay a £2 Mela entry fee.
-ENDS-
For more information contact Shaheena Abbas on 0131 556 0770, Shaheena.abbas@pagodapr.com
Notes to editors
- Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) was created on 1 April 2003 as a result of the Forestry Devolution Review. We serve as the forestry directorate of the Scottish Government, advising on and implementing forestry policy and managing the national forest estate
- Forestry Commission Scotland’s mission is to protect and expand Scotland's forests and woodlands and increase their value to society and the environment.
- The Edinburgh Mela Festival was founded in 1995 by members of the city’s minority ethnic communities, and one of its key objectives was to reflect and celebrate Scotland’s cultural diversity.
- Day entry to the Mela is £2 and children under 12 go free.
- For more information about the Edinburgh Mela Festival please visit www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk
- For more information about the Forestry Commission Scotland please visit www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland
