Kuljit Bhamra (The Southall Story) and The Family (Channel 4) with Jude Kelly (South Bank) by the TKC bus. Credit: Southbank Centre

I had no idea that when I was asked to do a photo shoot for The Southall Story exhibition, that The Family would be there. The mother Sarabhjit and daughter-inlaw Shey were both there. Nice people. I asked them what it was like to be suddenly launched into show business and become famous. “I’m not sure I like it” was Sarbhjit’s reply. Anyway, it was a cold morning at 9am and I tried to make sure that my shivering didn’t show through my thin kurta top – but then I noticed what Sarbhjit was wearing – chappals! Later, Shey and myself got behind the wheel. I can’t believe that the bus had passed it’s MOT – there were wires and things hanging out of the steering column – desi style – innit!

And don’t forget the Southall Story exhibition in the Spirit Level is open until 11th May.

Kuljit Bhamra

The Southall Story at the South Bank – Spirit Level
Wednesday 7 April 2010 – Tuesday 11 May 2010

The Southall Story created by Shakila Maan, Kuljit Bhamra and Ammy Phull with Cathy Woolley and Michael McMillan is finally coming together.

Southall is re-created with a sense of a ‘Time Tunnel’ where we go back to the 1950’s and explore an extraordinary history, both cultural and political.

Southall is a town that has welcomed new communities throughout the last century, enabling them to excel and influence both the social and political structures of Britain.

Click here to read more on The Southall Story at the South Bank

At the British Library, The Southall Story brings to the public an event entitled ‘Music and Life’ between 6.30 and 9.00

The London community of Southall has made a phenomenal but under acknowledged contribution to UK music, arts and politics. By the mid 1970s its record shops became not only source of a fabulous range of South Asian music but also key social gathering places. The riots of 1979 released a new freedom and confidence among young Brit Asians and encouraged the flowering of Bhangra: a musical fusion that spread from the corner shops to massive international popularity. A screening of For the Record: the social life of Indian vinyl in Southall (Dir, Kuldip Powar 2008) is followed by an insightful and inspiring celebrity discussion chaired by composer/producer Kuljit Bhamra, exploring the story of Southall through its remarkable musical history. Plus a foyer exhibition of photographs, Indian musical instruments and bookstalls.

Wed 17th June 2009 6.30pm and 9.00pm

Conference Centre, The British Library
96 Euston Road, London NW1

£6 / £4 concessions
Tickets available at:

Online Box Office http://boxoffice.bl.uk

By Telephone 01937 546546 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

In person from The British Library Information Desk

This is your page to contribute to The Southall Story. Join us to celebrate the achievements of this unique town. This special place has welcome new communities and new ideas from food, music, literature, fine art, theatre and film.

Please feel free to contribute to the Blog and look out for postings of events and festivals that The Southall Story project is bringing to the public this year alone!

Our events so far include the launch of the project on 24th April at the Dominion Centre. Attendance is with invitation only.

Wednesday 17 June at the British Library, The Southall Story brings to the public an event entitled ‘Music and Life’ between 6.30 and 9.00

The London community of Southall has made a phenomenal but under acknowledged contribution to UK music, arts and politics. By the mid 1970s its record shops became not only source of a fabulous range of South Asian music but also key social gathering places. The riots of 1979 released a new freedom and confidence among young Brit Asians and encouraged the flowering of Bhangra: a musical fusion that spread from the corner shops to massive international popularity. A screening of For the Record: the social life of Indian vinyl in Southall (Dir, Kuldip Powar 2008) is followed by an insightful and inspiring celebrity discussion chaired by composer/producer Kuljit Bhamra, exploring the story of Southall through its remarkable musical history. Plus a foyer exhibition of photographs, Indian musical instruments and bookstalls.

In November 2009, The Southall Story has been invited by the South Bank Centre to work with them to create a three day mini festival that includes music, comedy and poetry. We will announce more details as the details become clearer.

The Southall Story looks forward to an active dialogue with you! To comment just starting typing below….

If you would like to actively contribute regular blogs here get in touch with us.