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PREPARATIONS for this year’s Bangladeshi Mela began when its organisers launched their annual appeal for support.
Traders, councillors and community leaders gathered in the Marchmont Community Centre for a taste of what is to come with at this year’s event, which will take place in Regent’s Park in July.
Guests were wowed by a performance from dance troupe TaalTorongo, who have performed on the main stage in the Camden Mela since it began in 1992. Spectators were also treated to a feast of traditional Bangladeshi food.
Meaning “village fair”, the Mela has grown to a cultural extravaganza drawing crowds of more than 20,000 people from across the capital. It is the first of its type in London involving schools, community groups and sponsors including the British Museum, the Royal Parks and the Town Hall.
Regent’s Park councillor Nasim Ali, who chairs the Mela Committee, said last Wednesday’s event was organised to show the wider community how important the Mela is in “changing perceptions” and “promoting cultural respect”.
Fellow Labour councillor Abdul Hai, who joined the Mela as a youth leader in 1992, added: “We want this event to be inclusive. It’s about getting young people to share in what it means to be British and Bangladeshi through dance and music. It gives young Bangladeshis a sense of belonging, but it’s also developed into a mainstream event – sharing our identity with our counterparts.