A THREE-day celebration of South Asian arts, culture and heritage is taking place in a Bradford city centre venue this month.

Bradford South Asian Festival (BSAF) is coming to Kala Sangam arts centre from August 12 to August 14.

People can expect anything from musical performances, comedy and art workshops to puppetry and readings from new South Asian writers.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Some of the performers behind ‘Bradford, Beats and Bars’. Pictures: Bradford South Asian FestivalSome of the performers behind ‘Bradford, Beats and Bars’. Pictures: Bradford South Asian Festival

2022 is a double landmark year for South Asian diaspora communities living in Bradford and across the UK.

It marks 75 years since the partition of India, the creation of Pakistan and the end of British colonial rule, and 50 years since thousands of Ugandan South Asians were expelled by dictator Idi Amin.

There will also be a series of powerful talks and a Partition Stories round-table, featuring real-life partition and immigration experiences.

People will also be able to chart their own and others’ immigrant journeys via a multi-media map installation.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Chappati contest. Picture: Bradford South Asian FestivalChappati contest. Picture: Bradford South Asian Festival

Meanwhile, a ‘Pitch and Pair’ project will partner artists and producers with community groups to help them interpret their own lived experiences through storytelling and creativity - whether that be through a piece of art or writing, or a performance.

Other highlights this year include the return of the popular Gigglewalas comedy night and ‘Bradford, Beats and Bars’, a hip-hop night featuring young performers.

A retro Bollywood disco – ‘Disco Deewane’ – is taking place on August 13, celebrating the legacy of soundtrack composer Bappi Lahiri.

The festival will close on Sunday, August 14 with a tribute concert to Lata Mangeshkar, the iconic Bollywood playback singer who passed away earlier in 2022.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Dupattas - a shawl traditionally worn by women in Indian subcontinent - pictured left, and a happy audience at Gigglewalas. Picture: Bradford South Asian FestivalDupattas - a shawl traditionally worn by women in Indian subcontinent - pictured left, and a happy audience at Gigglewalas. Picture: Bradford South Asian Festival

West Yorkshire singer Shabnam Khan will interpret some of the biggest hits of ‘Lataji’ - and there’ll even be a chance for a singalong.

There will also be discussion panels themed around mental health awareness, dementia and menopause - all designed to encourage dialogue on challenging and often taboo subjects.

Tickets can be booked on Eventbrite or arranged via email on Bradford.sahm@gmail.com

Uzma Kazi and Rahila Hussain, from the BSAF organising team, said: “This is an important double landmark year for so many people who have made Bradford their home over many decades, and who have brought with them the wonderful gifts of a multi-layered and rich culture and heritage.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Gigglewalas. Picture: Bradford South Asian FestivalGigglewalas. Picture: Bradford South Asian Festival

"Their story is part of Bradford’s bigger story, and we want to honour, celebrate and commemorate every aspect of it.”

BSAF 2022 is supported by Bradford Council, The Leap and Kala Sangam.

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