'Mela' is a Sanskrit word meaning 'gathering' or 'to meet' or a Fair. It is used in the Subcontinent for all sizes of gathering and can be religious, commercial, or cultural. Traditionally Mela means 'Village Fair'.

'The Mela' held each year in the heart of London celebrates and shares the culture of London's multi racial communities. It is a feast of sights, sounds, aromas and tastes featuring bazaars, folk troupes, traditional and contemporary British & Ethnic music and dance.

Started life in 1992, it is the first of its kind to be held in London involving local organisations, community groups, schools, colleges, and institutions such as the British Museum and the British Library.

From its humble beginnings as a small Bangladeshi community festival, it has been dubbed as The Camden Mela, The Regent's Park Mela, The Central London Mela, and for obvious reasons The Bangladesh Mela.

The Mela has grown to such an extent that it represents an opportunity for the wider communities to get together, regardless of their background, and work towards a festive occasion through involvement in various educational and arts projects that promote appreciation and understanding of various cultures in one of the world's greatest multicultural cities.

The Mela uses arts to challenge the negative perceptions of multiculturalism; it aims to breakdown the barriers to give way to social inclusion, integration, and harmony whilst appreciating diversity for a healthy society.

Serving as an ideal outlet the Mela showcases the outcome of activities carried out throughout the year by the schoolchildren, teachers and parents as well as the youth organisations and community centres of Central London.

All in all, it culminates into a spectacular event for all ages to enjoy in the height of the British summer organised by the Mela committee in association with Camden Council, Royal Parks, British Land, British Library and the British Museum.

- Jamal Uddin MIET FRSA, Mela Patron

Camden Mela

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