Baishakhi Mela, one of the largest street festivals in the country, is celebrating its tenth birthday this year and residents are being called upon to give their views to help make the 2008 Mela the best yet!

Held in Banglatown, one of London's most vibrant quarters, Baishakhi Mela welcomes in the Bangladeshi New Year with a huge celebration of street dancers, musicians, inflatables, jugglers and acrobatics. Last year's festival was a huge success attracting more than 85,000 visitors - almost half the population of Tower Hamlets.

Tower Hamlets Council’s Arts and Events Team is keen to find out what visitors and residents thought of the event and are asking for their views - right through from the events and activities available to any problems that they experienced over the weekend.

Councillor Lutfur Rahman, Lead Member for Culture, Tower Hamlets Council said: “It’s important that residents have their say and tell us about their likes and dislikes so that we can work together to improve the Baishakhi Mela.

“As well as the programme of events and activities that take place over the weekend we want to hear from people that live in areas affected by the Mela so that they can tell us about any problems that they face during the two day festival.”

This year’s Baishakhi Mela will take place over on the 11th May 2008. Brick Lane, Allen Gardens and Weavers Fields will once again come to life with live music, a procession, tasty foods and lots of stalls.

To tell us about your Mela experience and what you think of the programme write to Mela Consultation, LB Tower Hamlets Arts & Events, Brady Centre, 192-196 Hanbury Street, London, E1 5HU or e-mail artsandevents@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Alternatively letters can be left at your local ideas Store, One Stop Shop or posted to the Brady centre.

For more information contact the Festival and Arts Team on 020 7539 3411
Theo Fariduddin (Festival Co-ordinator): 07957 909 106