Baishaki Mela 2005
Welcome to Baishakhi Mela 2005 Sunday 15th May
Brick Lane, Weavers field and Allen Garden
Established as
the premier Bengali celebration outside of Bangladesh , the Baishakhi Mela brings
together the very
best of Bengali arts, music and culture To Brick Lane ‘Banglatown' one
of London 's most vibrant quarters.
The Baishakhi Mela is a unique festival, born out of the collective aspirations
of a generation of Bengali people
who wanted to celebrate the Bangla New Year. The festival has developed into
a sensational extravaganza promoting
all that Brick Lane and ‘Banglatown' has to offer to people across London
, the UK and abroad. From its humble
beginnings the event has rapidly established itself as the world's largest Bengali
celebration outside of Bangladesh ,
regularly attracting over 80,000 visitors.
This year the eighth Baishakhi Mela Takes place on Sunday 15 th May between
11am And 7.00pm and promises a
spectacular line-up for locals, families and visitors from London and beyond
who are invited to come and enjoy a full
programme of festive celebrations.
The event kicks off at 11am with a spectacular procession of Musicians, Dancers,
Peacock boat, a Bridal Ride
with Palki (Palanquin) and Rickshaws, a metal Elephant as well as children dressed
in colourful traditional clothes
and masks setting out from Allen Gardens and taking to the streets to share
the warmth of ‘Shubho Nobo Borsho'
(Happy New Year). The procession will arrive at the main stage on weaver's fields
(vallence road E1) just before
12 midday to mark the beginning of the Mela. The Mayor of London Ken Livingston
has been invited to inaugurate
the Mela along with His Excellency the High Commissioner of Bangladesh, Members
of Parliament, and distinguished guests.
From 12noon the main stage, in weavers fields, will play host to a full repertoire
of Bangladeshi sounds with
everything from traditional folk, Baul and Bollywood to Bengali rock, bhangra
and contemporary east/west fusion.
Leading artists from Bangladesh Including Momotaj, Farida Parveen and Banna
, will be performing along with local
artists. Also, Located in Allen Gardens , the Community Stage will provide a
full day of music, theatre and dance.
As part of the community stage there will be a children's play area with a fun
fair, inflatables, clowns, jugglers and lots more.
Brick Lane itself will be pedestrianised throughout the day and transformed
into a bustling market place with over
45 curry houses spilling out on to the pavement offering curry alfresco alongside
100's of stalls giving a taste of
Bangladesh through the wide range of Merchandise such as handicrafts and traditional
Bangladeshi fashion wears.
This year's new addition is the Bangladeshi food Festival which will be hosted
by prominent restaurateurs from
famous Brick Lane– Bangla town, known as the curry capital of Europe .
Renowned Chefs from Bangladesh will
be presenting special menus for the first time in the UK . Plus exhibitions,
poetry, street performance, drama,
stilt walkers Face painting, Henna painting (mehendi), Rikshaw rides and much
more. offering something for
everyone and an event not to be missed.
How to get there:
Buses serving the area: 25, 67, 205, 253, 106, D3, 8
Underground: Aldgate East: District Line, Hammersmith & City Line
Aldgate: Circle & Metropolitan Line
Whitechapel: Circle Line (Restricted Service)
Bethnal Green: Central Line
National Rail: Liverpool St and Bethnal Green overland
Travel Information: 0207 222 1234
Car Parking minimal.
