A Baishakhi
Mela
2010 Mela
A record breaking 110,000 people enjoyed bright blue skies and
record high temperatures at this year’s A Baishakhi Mela to
celebrate the Bengali New Year on Sunday (23 May).
A Baishakhi Mela
is one of the largest celebrations of the Bengali New
Year outside of Bangladesh. The annual celebration begins with a
colourful procession, and there will also be a wide range of music
and entertainment, including international stars
Mela news
For all details about this year's
Mela see http://www.baishakhimela.org.uk/.
2009 Mela
The sun shone as record numbers – nearly one hundred thousand -
turned out for the Mela in 2009 to celebrate the Bengali New Year
at one of the biggest events of its kind outside of Bangladesh.
A Baishakhi Mela roared into action with a spectacular
procession through the crowd lined streets of Brick Lane and the
surrounding area. More than 250 dancers, musicians, school children
and community groups joined the magnificent mechanical Bengali
Tiger and the Bangla Queen – a four metre tall peacock structure –
in the colourful parade.
Arriving in Weavers Fields the procession marked the start
of the seven hour entertainment bonanza. The crowds cheered as the
biggest names in Bengali music hit the stage. Momtaz Begum,
Selim Choudhury and Shireen were just a handful of the stars whose
voices beamed out to the thousands in Weavers Fields.
Just under 200 food, craft and community stalls filled Weavers
Fields, Allen Gardens and Brick Lane. Serving up tasty treats and
Bengali inspired goods, the stalls helped keep the audience of
95,000 fed and watered as international and UK artists played on
three stages – two in Weavers Fields and one in Allen Gardens –
throughout the afternoon.
Megan Rowling and her family enjoyed the festivities in Weavers
Fields. The resident from Bethnal Green said: “The Mela is a great
family day out. I’ve come down to listen to the great mix of music
here as I know there are some big stars from Bangladesh who have
flown over for the event.
“I’d definitely recommend the Mela to anyone who has never
been.”
Contact us
If you are an arts organisation and want to get involved in a
Baishakhi Mela contact the Council's Arts and Event's Team:
festivalsandevents@towerhamlets.gov.uk
For media enquiries contact Eloise Clarke on eloise.clarke@towerhamlets.gov.uk