CELEBRATING 30+ YEARS OF THE MELA




Camden Mela - Celebrating the beauty of our culturally diverse community for 30+ years!

CAMDEN MELA
CELEBRATING 30+ YEARS OF ARTS
CULTURE & COMMUNITY

ESTD. 1992







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Glimpse From
Networking & Promotion Events




Jamal Uddin � Patron, Mela & Special Advisor to the Committee and Trustee with David Bieda � Chairman, Seven Dials Trust; and Tulip Siddiq MP

Jamal Uddin Mela Patron & Special Advisor
to the Committee; David Bieda
Chairman of the
Seven Dials Trust;
and Tulip Siddiq MP










Enam Ali MBE,
Founder of the
British Curry Awards










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Special Advisor to the Committee
Andrew Burnett, Deputy Director of the British Museum and Councillor Nasim Ali OBE, Mayor of Camden.

Andrew Burnett, Deputy Director of the
British Museum and Councillor Nasim Ali OBE,
Mayor of Camden.













Councillor Keith Moffitt
Leader of The Council



















Laura Philips - British Museum











Samina Dewan, Fitzrovia NAA

Samina Dewan, Fitzrovia NAA


















A. Siddiqui, Deputy High Commissioner
for The People's Republic of Bangladesh












Guests


















Committee Members & Guests













Committee Members & Guests



Photography Credits:
Sadia (LDH)

 

"It was inspiring to see the turnout and more inspiring to meet such a variety of different people who are all interested in the Camden Mela and what it has to offer."
- Maddy Fisk, Mary Ward Centre.



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Mela Facebook pageMela YouTube channel

CAMDEN MELA 2023
CELEBRATING THE BEAUTY OF OUR CULTURALLY DIVERSE COMMUNITY

Promoting Sustainability, Community Cohesion and Better Health. #WeMakeCamden

Camden Mela 30+ years of celebrating the beauty of our culturally diverse community

Arts & crafts, food stalls, live music & dance and a funfair come together at this community festival celebrating the richness of British cultural diversity. A marquee will provide health information and advice and there will be plenty of free family activities to keep kids busy.

Date:
Sunday, 2nd July 2023

Time:
12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Venue:
Coram's Fields
93 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1DN
Direction: Click here for direction

Coming by bus?

Nearest buses are the 17, 45, & 46 at Gray's Inn Road or the 7, 59, 68, 91, 168 & 188 at Russell Square.

Coming by Tube?

Nearest tubes are Russell Square, Kings Cross St Pancras & Holborn or Chancery Lane.

Coming by Train?

Kings Cross, St Pancras and Euston are all within walking distance.


FREE Entry for all

 

For booking a stall download the application form from the top-right. If you have any queries about the stalls please contact Nasim Ali OBE on 07852 223403 or nasim.ali@kcbna.org.uk
 

For latest updates keep an eye on the
Mela Facebook Page

Mela Facebook pageMela YouTube channel


ABOUT THE MELA

Since 1992 the Mela Committee has organised hugely successful cultural showcase events in association with various partners within the Main Arena and across the British Museum, British Library, Regent's Park and other venues. In 2011 it coincided with the 40th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence and in 2021 with the 50th and was a great success applauded by all sectors of the community. The event was and remains open to all locals and visitors to London.

Activities typically include family and adult arts and crafts workshops, dance and musical performances. Display of community arts projects, story-telling, themed gallery talks in the Museum's galleries, and ever popular food festivities.


THE MELA attracting thousands of visitors every year, amidst local, international and community media, celebrating the cultural cohesion in the heart of bustling London.


"Every year thousands of people gather to celebrate the melting pot art and culture of modern Britain in style at The Mela held in locations such as Regent�s Park, the British Museum, the British Library and the Coram's Fields, organised by the Central London Communities.

The Mela is a cross-cultural event for all ages aimed to promote cultural cohesion, integration, and enhance communication and interactions through involvement in various arts and community activities,"
  says the Mela patron and trustee of the Seven Dials Trust, Jamal Uddin FRSA.

People enjoy the music, dance, artworks, crafts, fashion show, open stage talent show, youth performances, children's activities, health activities, funfair & rides, henna paintings, variety stalls, information stands, stunning displays & exhibitions, and of course the delicious Mela oriented food & drinks!


Sir Keir Starmer and Nasim Ali OBE joined in to celebrate the diversity and enjoy the Ricksha at the Mela. Throughout 30+ years, MPs, Ambassadors, Mayors and Councillors all have supported the Mela in various capacities as have all the amenity groups and institutions of central London including in Camden, Westminster and the City.


Some years large scale festival takes place in London's Regent's Park (and Primrose Hill) - one of the eight Royal Parks visited by millions of Londoners and tourists each year. 2010 saw the legendary guest artist Mac at Regent's Park joining in from Bangladesh at the main stage to perform, celebrate, and encourage the local performers from all sections of the central London communities.

The Mela goes to great lengths to facilitate a dedicated youth stage for the young and ambitious members of the society to show-off their talents and skills - in a recognisable fashion. "Indeed, it serves as a spring-board to launch their career in arts and media. An important aspect of this is to channel youth energy into shaping a tolerant and sustainable multiracial and multicultural society now, and the future,"  says Jamal.


Some of the crowd can be seen here enjoying performing arts at the Mela held in Regent's Park, London.


"This Britain, this modern diverse, multi racial, multi talented Great Britain - this is here to stay," said the former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. David Cameron at the prestigious British Curry Awards.

The founder of the Awards, Enam Ali MBE, added "I realise however that there are real challenges for the future. That is one reason why it is good to celebrate the success of inter communal harmony. Celebrating success helps to inspire others too."


Mac, the guest artist performing at the Mela held in Regent's Park, London.


In a message to the Mela committee Mac said: "It does feel good to be in the fold of a lot of wonderful and exuberant people in the UK - much as it gives me great pleasure to be invited to perform with some fine musicians at the Mela."

When asked what differentiates this Mela, the committee secretary Maddy Fisk said: "This Mela is unique in the sense that it is ingrained in the community. It showcases the success and achievements of our women & children, our schools & colleges, our cultural & community centres, and our private & public sector social initiatives. It is inspiring to see the turnout and more inspiring to meet such a variety of different people."

"Through this Mela we are always engaged in promoting public issues such as various safety initiatives, mental health education, social responsibilities, to name but a few," added the Mela patron, Jamal Uddin FRSA.


Samina Dewan (Chair), Jonathan Simpson (Mayor of Camden), Sofina Razzaque (member), Sadia Jafreen (Creative & Media Planning) out and about visiting and enjoying the wonderful arrangements of Arts, Crafts, Stands, Stalls, Exhibitions, and Performances at the Mela held in London's Regent's Park.


What started as a small Bangladeshi community gathering in 1992, expanded its reach to a London-wide and now nation-wide celebration, backed by well known institutions and organisations such as The British Museum, Royal Parks, British Land, London Borough of Camden, London Design House, The Metropolitan Police, Mary Ward Centre, South Camden Community School, Art Colleges, King's Cross Central, Primary Care Trust, Sky Channels 814 (Channel S), 827 (((ATN), and 844 (Channel i) to name but a few.

See footer for a shorter introductory text ...


The Networking Event

The Networking Event organised by the Camden Mela Committee focussed on:

  • Generating awareness of the Mela's activities and the benefits it brings to the society.

  • Promoting the Mela to the wider communities.

  • Raising funds through sponsorship and other involvements.

The Event served as an ideal opportunity for guests & delegates to explore how they can get involved at all levels, whether it be Sponsorship, Joining the Mela Committee, Marketing or Volunteering.

It was an enjoyable evening of celebration and networking whilst being entertained by key speakers, a beautiful and lively dance performance and a colourful exhibition of arts, pictures and videos from the Mela events.


The feedbacks received from all were excellent. People were impressed with the diversity of organisations involved in the Committee and the numbers of volunteers supporting the event, which shows a universal appeal and demand for the vibrant annual event - the Mela.


For further information
contact via email info@camdenmela.org






Mela Stall Application Form


Website Sponsored by...






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Your local opticians in Drummond Street.
i-optix
Local Opticians
Drummond Street
Euston







The Camden Mela is brought to you in association with...




Creating outstanding places for people to work, live and visit









We are the national library of the United Kingdom and give access to the world�s most comprehensive research collection.











Regent�s Place where Camden, Fitzrovia and the Knowledge Quarter meet










Help us tackle loneliness









Join our CPT family to provide regular support for our emerging artists and take advantage of some brilliant benefits, from discounts at the bar to invitations to press nights.









Old Diorama Arts Centre is creation centre: a shared home for the live arts, creative industries and local community to make, explore and meet.










A collective voice for health and social care users in Camden.










Returning to study can sometimes feel daunting, but our welcoming, encouraging environment will provide you with the confidence you need to expand your skills and achieve your goals.










Returning to study can sometimes feel daunting, but our welcoming, encouraging environment will provide you with the confidence you need to expand your skills and achieve your goals.








Returning to study can sometimes feel daunting, but our welcoming, encouraging environment will provide you with the confidence you need to expand your skills and achieve your goals.









Returning to study can sometimes feel daunting, but our welcoming, encouraging environment will provide you with the confidence you need to expand your skills and achieve your goals.











Camden Council - The London Borough of Camden










We improve the quality of life of local residents.










A safe place for all children to come and play in our seven-acre park and playground situated in the heart of Bloomsbury, London.












Keeping London safe for everyone.











Camden Mela - Celebrating the beauty of our culturally diverse community for 30+ years!

CAMDEN MELA
CELEBRATING 30+ YEARS OF ARTS
CULTURE & COMMUNITY

ESTD. 1992









...and with the generous help and support from...








Watch High Quality Bengali Dramas written by Mela Committee Member Sadia Jafreen.











Creative Printing Services - London Printing House


































































© 1992 - Camden Bangladesh Mela. Design & Publicity © Sadia Jafreen, Committee Member, Camden Bangladesh Mela.




About Mela London UK
 

The Mela

Businesses & Organisations

Contacts

The Committee

Introduction

Sponsorships, partnerships, promotions, stalls and adverts

Key contact information

The immediate past committee

 

 

 

 

'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, smells 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 city.

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 their parents as well as the youth organisations and community centres in 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 and the British Museum.

- Jamal Uddin FRSA, Mela Patron

 

There are various options available for getting involved. The Mela committee welcomes new ideas and opportunities, if you would like to discuss yours please get n touch.

 

Mela opens up new avenues for Businesses and Organisations in all sectors to interact with social groups directly and promote their activities in a setting where people are more receptive of information. Depending on your specialities, you may promote product developments, services, health information, lifestyle, and various safety awareness initiatives such as drinks & drugs, speed, fire, personal safety, etc.

 

Becoming a key sponsor, partner, advertiser, or getting involved by running an information stand, food stall or other activities helps fund the organising of this much needed social event (see the Mela introduction) for the community and not to mention increase your brand profile.

 

The event generates a lot of media interests and is extensively publicised and promoted by everyone involved, including: TV channels, newspapers, libraries, schools, colleges, local councils, royal parks, museums, MPs, councillors, social networking sites, to name a few.

 

The major events and massive shows usually organised by the Mela Committee attract a spectacular audience level of 20,000+, with smaller events attracting much less.

 

 

SPECTRUM OF VISITORS

National Scope;
All Community & Age Groups

 

 

WEBSITE VISITORS

National & International;
Months with peak avg. hits
Aug averages: 700K+
July averages: 900K+
June averages: 700K+
May averages: 500K+


Website hosted by:
ecreators.co.uk

 

Events are Free for all to attend unless specifically stated otherwise.

 

 

The Mela

62 Marchmont Street
London WC1N 1AB 

 

BECOMING A SPONSOR/SUPPORTER

 

Tel:  07852 223403

info@camdenmela.org

 

TAKING UP A STALL

 

Tel: 07852 223403

info@camdenmela.org

 

ADVERTISING

 

Publicity, posters, flyers, websites and social media
Sadia 07850 405 639

sadia@londondesignhouse.com

 

PRESS ENQUIRIES

 

Sadia 07850 405 639

sadiajafreen@gmail.com

Jamal Uddin

j.uddin.frsa@UCLmail.net

 

 

 

CONNECT WITH THE MELA

 

camdenmela.org
camdenbangladeshmela.org

Mela Facebook pageMela YouTube channel

 

 

 

THE PATRONS

 

Jamal Uddin FRSA

- Seven Dials Trust

Nasim Ali OBE

- Local Government

Abdul Haque

- Channel S Television

 

 

 

Design, publicity & media direction:

London Design House

 

Copyright © 1992 -

Camden Bangladesh Mela

All rights reserved

 

 

KING'S CROSS BRUNSWICK
NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION
Harun Kaji


CAMDEN COUNCIL
Councillor Abdul Hai


MARY WARD CENTRE
Maddy Fisk (Secretary)


LONDON DESIGN HOUSE
Sadia Jafreen (Creative & Media Planning)


BRITISH MUSEUM
Laura Phillips


SOUTH CAMDEN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Colleen Maybin
Tia Clarke


CAMDEN YOUTH & CONNEXION SERVICE
Mukith Miah
Karim Ullah


HOPSCOTCH ASIAN WOMEN CENTRE
Lucky Khan