Record Breaking 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).
Organised by Tower Hamlets Council, this event is the biggest celebration of its kind outside Bangladesh. The crowds poured into Weavers Fields, Allen Gardens and Brick Lane for a seven hour entertainment bonanza with internationally acclaimed performers, culinary delights and family fun.
The celebration began with a spectacular procession from Bishops Square, Spitalfields, led by a magnificent mechanical elephant. Followed by over 350 school children, community groups and other local people, as well as a giant motorised turtle complete with DJ box, this year’s parade was the largest ever.
Once the procession arrived at Weavers Fields, all eyes turned to the main stage where the biggest names in Bengali music took to the stage. Kumar Bishwajit, Ronti Das, Shahnaz Belly were just a handful of the stars who performed to the thousands in the audience.
Tell us what you thought...
If you came to this year’s A Baishakhi Mela in Banglatown Brick Lane, we’d love to hear your comments. Please take a few minutes to fill out a short survey which will help us improve the event in future years.
There are many ways in which you can be part of this major celebration. So whether you’re interested in performing, taking part in the procession, trading or becoming a sponsor we want to hear from you!
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