|
|
|
 |
The
Baishakhi Mela 2006
Brick
Lane, Weavers Fields & Allen Gardens, London E1
Sunday 14th
May will be a sight, sound and taste extravaganza as London's East
End hosts the Baishakhi Mela.
In its ninth
year, the Baishakhi Mela celebrates Bangla New Year after a month of
festivities. Culture and fun is the order of the day as musicians,
chefs, artists and entertainers display their talents to nearly
100,000 members of the public from both the UK and abroad.
Held in
'Banglatown' the Mela kicks off at 11.00am with a colourful parade
from Allen Gardens along Brick Lane and into Weavers Fields.
Spectacular attractions such as a huge Bengal Tiger, Peacock Boat,
Bridal Ride, Rickshaws and the massive Metal Elephant will take part
in the parade alongside children in traditional attire, musicians,
dancers and community leaders. |
|
For food
lovers, Brick Lane is the place to be. With special offers in over 45
restaurants and food stalls along the street, the famous road proves
why it has such a great reputation for serving curry. Pedestrianised
throughout the Baishakhi Mela, Brick Lane will become a bustling
marketplace as stallholders sell handicrafts and traditional
Bangladeshi fashion wares alongside face painters and street entertainers.
Weavers Field
will have a Main Stage as well as a Folk and Baul Stage. The main
stage will showcase a range of musical genres from midday, including
Bangla Rap, contemporary east/west fusion and Bollywood performances.
The Folk and Baul stage is a first for the Baishakhi Mela and will
give an opportunity for visitors to experience traditional Folk and
Baul songs. A fun fair, street performers, stalls for food and crafts
as well as a Sports Zone will also be in Weavers Fields.
Allen Gardens
will also have two stages. The Community Stage will see performances
dances, dramas and songs from the UK multicultural community. The
Classical Stage will be dedicated to classical performers from both
the UK and Bangladesh.
Other venues
including Toynbee Hall and the Brady Art Centre will also be hosting
activities during the day.
The Baishakhi
Mela aims to enhance community relationships, increase skill levels
for young people and improve the area's identity while ensuring that
a good time is had by all. It brings together the very best of
Bengali arts, music and culture to the Brick Lane area and reinforces
that 'Banglatown' is one of London's most vibrant quarters.
|
