Traditional Indian dance meets music from the rest of the world this week as the 13th Edinburgh Mela Festival gets under way.

A carnival of events in Leith mark its new week-long schedule and Ocean Terminal venue. Running until Sunday, the Mela this year includes performers from as far afield as Japan, Africa and South America.

A new outdoor venue beside Ocean Terminal, including a big top, will play host to a range of activities while the shopping complex itself will accommodate film screenings, performances, concerts and exhibitions.

Festival director Liam Sinclair said: "The Mela this year offers a world of creative talent. Traditional Indian dance will sit beside tango and flamenco troupes. The big top will host an aerial circus act and the rhythms of India and Pakistan will be joined by those from Japan, Africa and elsewhere.

"Upswing Aerial have devised a breathtaking display of circus acrobatics, and the London Community Gospel Choir will add their infectious singing. Our new venue allows us to surround the big top with a rolling programme of music and entertainment."

A world premiere, Yatra/Journey, at the weekend is supported by the Scottish Government's Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund. It is a collaborative performance between the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Adeo Records and Publishing, and Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers.

Other highlights include the Club Night with live DJs, producer Rishi Rich, along with artists Juggy D and Veronica, and the Bhangra band DCS.