20th April 2005 saw the band perform at the annual Refugee Action Conference. This was Pukaar's 3rd live gig within a space of one week. We moved from the sunny south to the rainy north in the picturesque location of Market Bosworth, Warwickshire. Bosworth Hall Hotel was rocked past midnight as the band played to a delighted crowd.

Refugee Action is an independent UK charity, which works with and helps refugees build new lives in the UK. They have over 23 years experience supporting and working with refugees and asylum seekers across 10 regions in the UK, including Southampton.

The evening began with a lovely silver service dinner. The hotels luxurious décor created a warming atmosphere for all of us. The whole team sat together, while Romail skipped dinner to mingle with some of the refugee workers. As we made our way to the conference hall, where the event was taking place, Terry, who was first on stage, was already warming up. He sang the Pukaar theme tune, an acoustic homage to the charity.

During the performance I noticed that some seats were empty and I could hear distant cheering coming from the bar next door. It then clicked that Manchester United were playing Everton in the Premiership. But as Romail, took to the microphone to introduce the band members in his own entertaining manner, one could clearly notice the bustle move from the TV screen to the concert hall. The message was clear: the crowd wanted some action which they weren't getting from a boring nil-nil tie it had turned out to be so far. Pukaar tunes were on their way.

Romail was followed by Shaurn, her own composition 'Soniya' that echoed the chilled vibe that Terry had created with her stunning vocals. The crowd started to get into the mood when PM Raj, the 'voice of Pakistan' upped the ante with some energetic Bhangra, aided with his own unique dance moves. The dance floor began to fill up even more when Romail took centre stage with the band. His energy combined with his vocals, even got some refugee workers who gave a Bhangra workshop earlier in the day, on the dance floor.

Johnnie and Amit provided collaborated to provide some exuberant percussion rhythms with the Dholak and Electronic drums accompanying Charles' lead on the keyboard. The highlight of the evening was the scintillating performance of 'AND- Magazine' editor and Pukaar newcomer, Martin, who was on the lead acoustic guitar. Martin bought a western feel to Pukaar's more eastern sound. It was only his 2nd performance with Pukaar, the first being the gig at Sainsbury's (see 'Pukaar's Hot date with Sainsbury's). He now hopes to join the band on a regular basis, which will be brilliant. It will most definitely add to Pukaar's eclectic sound.

Pukaar's new band member were a sure fire hit on the night, as Shaurn, Rajbir (who, ironically, had been incredibly quiet during the day) and Pari with his rhythm acoustic guitar skills played with the band for the first time. Nerves were set aside as the Pukaar project gave them the chance to perform and build their confidence in front of a great crowd.

As the band continued the party playing the crowd pleaser 'Galassian Charr, Amit shifted from his drum set to the Dhol with Romail Gulzar on the lead. The incredible passion had everyone up and out of their seats once again. Moments later, DJ Nicky took to the stage and got everyone jumping with her fusion of desi beats, dancehall rhythms and RnB tunes.

The diverse crowd, which was a mixture of refugees and refugee workers, from all over the UK, were of many different backgrounds and ethnic origins. They all absorbed Pukaar's range of sounds. The crowd was apprehensive to begin with. But with the combination of Pukaar's tunes and seductive Bhangra moves they couldn't help but get on the dance floor. Soon enough, everyone was wiggling their hips and strutting their stuff.

Mike, an English and Film studies student, who is another new edition to the team, filmed the whole event for a documentary he is making about Pukaar. So watch out for those outtakes!

The band was then back on stage, for not one, but two encores. The crowd couldn't get enough of the Pukaar band, and dominated the dance floor till the early hours, with DJ Nicky bringing the very successful night to a close. The event was a great experience for me, new members and the whole team. Neeta, a case worker for Asylum advice was 'very impressed' by the band, and asked if we did weddings or private functions. Looks like the audience had a brilliant time too! Romail said he was 'very proud with the new and old members of the team'. He added 'I was very proud to see my vision of the Pukaar multicultural music project come into practice in a multicultural environment'.