Information on Loughborough

Loughborough Town Centre to host Charnwood Mela

Posted on 03/07/2008

This years Mela, on Sunday 24th August promises to be an even greater feast of colour, music, dance and entertainment.

For the first time, the event will take place in Loughborough Town Centre and will be publicised across the whole of Charnwood. Charnwood Mela is a partnership event between Charnwood Borough Council, who is the main funder of the event, Charnwood Racial Equality Council, who is the lead organisation and Charnwood Arts, with involvement from local community groups, agencies and individuals.

Whilst the core of the Mela remains a celebration of Asian culture, entertainment will include a wide variety of music and dancing from across the world .

In addition, there will be fairground rides, food and specialist market stalls and the usual friendly relaxed and harmonious atmosphere.

Mela Chairman, Councillor Mike Jones, said "We hope that holding the event in the middle of town will afford easier access to both the local community and the citizens of the borough. He urges all to attend, saying where else can you see both professional and local entertainers for free?"

CREC Vice Chair and Borough Council Lead Member for Culture & Leisure Peter Lewis agreed : "Charnwoods an amazingly rich and diverse community and the Council believes we should celebrate together and share in that joy wholeheartedly. Charnwood Together means People Together and we hope our Town Centre will be thronged with happy families and friends."

Mela Organiser, Nadja Rein added “Mela is a Sanskrit word meaning to get together and is mainly used in the UK for a multicultural festival incorporating different aspects of British Asian culture. However, Charnwood Mela 2008 is aiming at promoting, celebrating and bringing together ALL the communities in Charnwood.”

Further information or if you wish to volunteer on the day, help in the organising, perform or have a stall please contact Nadja Rein on 01509 261651 during office hours or email to nadja.rein@btconnect.com