Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and tastes of South Asia as An Indian Summer returns to Leicester from 21 – 23 July 2023.
From outdoor cinema on Jubilee Square to an Orton Square takeover with street food, music, and more, the streets will be alive with activities. We caught up with An Indian Summer Director, Jiten Anand, to find out more.
How would you describe An Indian Summer to someone who is new to the event?
I would describe the festival as a ray of sunshine on a warm summer’s day! Sip on An Indian Summer cocktail, enjoy the mouth watering Mumbai street food, soak up the colourful mix of live music & dance, and take part in the creative workshops & art exhibitions. It’s a family extravaganza for everyone to enjoy! We love to curate a modern flavour of South Asia open to people from all ages and backgrounds.
What are some of the highlights of this year’s programme?
We are hosting an absolute legend in the music scene; Nitin Sawhney. It’s an exciting moment to bring an internationally acclaimed artist like this to Leicester. Many of you will know him from the 90s, when he produced a pioneering breadth of electronic sounds. Nitin now produces epic soundtracks for the BBC. There is a whole host of incredible talent on the outdoor stage including; Arun Ghosh, a world-class indo-jazz musician; Shreya Vadnerkar, a classical Indian breakdancer and Nupur Arts; performing the hugely famous, Holi Dance. Expect soothing sounds from sitars and an energetic show from Epika Dance!
What first inspired the creation and set-up of An Indian Summer?
An Indian Summer (AIS), was born to celebrate the shared culture between the Indian subcontinent and the UK, creating exciting collaborations that platform and nurture contemporary South Asian arts and culture. It was inspired by an incredible festival in France called Bombaysers de Lille, produced by Lille 3000. Our first iteration of An Indian Summer took place in 2011 and was organised by a close group of friends. We felt there was a real need for a voice that represents British Asian culture in today’s society – and so the festival was born.
What are some of the activities that families and children can get involved in?
There’s something for everyone at the festival! We will be hosting a series of ‘Create & Make’ workshops on Curve’s mezzanine, exploring our roots and culture to create a pop up exhibition. There will also be free henna tattoos, family friendly laughter yoga workshops, a still space for wellbeing, live performances – and not to forget, the incredible Indian street food!
What is it about South Asia that makes its culture so vibrant?
I think the spirit of generosity makes South Asian culture really vibrant. You can travel to any Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi home in the UK and you’ll be given the most delicious food to your heart’s content! The colourful clothes at weddings, the vibrant decorations during religious ceremonies, the rich array of arts and culture, and the deep running ancient roots.
Where can people find out more about what’s on?
Check out indiansummer.org.uk – our Festival Guide has everything you need! You can also follow us on @AISFestival on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
An Indian Summer begins on Friday 21 July 2023 with an outdoor cinema screening of Sholay on Jubilee Square. Tickets are free of charge and can be reserved via Eventbrite.