When
12pm - 7pm, Sunday 8th May 2011
Where
Brick Lane, Allen Gardens and Weavers Fields
The Baishaki Mela Festival is taking place once again for 2011, bringing together Bengali arts, music and culture to Brick Lane in a vibrant street event.
Festive celebrations at Baishaki Mela
The Baishaki Mela festival is one of the biggest Bengali New Year celebrations in the world, celebrating the culmination of Bengali New Year. Taking place for the 14th time this year, Baishaki Mela is expected to attract thousands of visitors, transforming the area around Brick Lane into one huge, festive party. Visitors can enjoy food, dance, street performance, a parade, activities for kids and more in a lively free event.
Bengali culture in London
The festival includes a spectacular line up of attractions with musicians, dancers, colourful costumes and more throughout the day. Proceedings start with a full street parade at 11.30am from Allen Gardens and along Brick Lane, and continue at the main stage in Weavers Fields which is playing host to a string of live performances. Crowds can expect Bangladeshi culture in full, with everything from traditional folk to Bengali rock and Bhangra.
Bengali food festival
This year’s Baishaki Mela festival includes a wealth of food stalls selling delicious curry dishes and Bengali cuisine. Visitors can sample a taste of Bengali food direct from Brick Lane’s Bangla town and enjoy everything from curry to kulfi at the Mela Market.
Live music
Brick Lane, Weavers Fields and Allen Gardens are hosting a number of performances from high profile artists from both Bangladesh and the UK during the Baishaki Mela festival. Hosts Ronnie Mirza and Mahbub Hussain will be presenting acts such as Baby Naznin, Mumzy Stranger and folk singer group Sylhet on the main stage, meaning that visitors can sample authentic Bangladeshi culture and contemporary acts in an upbeat, colourful atmosphere.
Events for kids and families
Weavers Fields will be the site of a children's area and fun fair, designed to keep kids of all ages entertained throughout the festival. The Allen Gardens stage is also hosting a number of shows from local artists and dance groups throughout the afternoon.
The Baishaki Mela festival takes place at Brick Lane, Weavers Field and Allen Gardens on Sunday 8th May 2011. The parade starts from Buxton Street near Allen Gardens at 11.30am, while the main entertainment takes place from 12pm – 7pm. The event is free to attend.