Celebrations as Freehold Mela Proves Another Success

Date published: 01/08/2005

Freehold Street Mela Festival has just celebrated its 31st birthday, and evidently is still as popular as ever with the local community. Hundreds appeared throughout the day to join in on the fun and to watch the acts on stage.

Asian Sound Radio provided the sound, and a variety of activities took place throughout the day including a dancing competition, pass the parcel and to the delight of many, a wet sponge competition!

Also eager to get involved was the Mayor of Rochdale Ashley Dearnley, who tried his hand at tombola and cut the Freehold Street Mela’s 31st birthday cake. Also present was MP for Rochdale, Cllr. Paul Rowen, and Cllr. Angela Coric.

Organiser Dr. Mohammed Salim was impressed with the day’s turnout: “There are so many people here from all areas in Rochdale; it’s always a great pleasure to see everyone having fun together.”

He added: "It’s satisfying to know that you can organise an event that helps to bring the community together, and has done so for 31 years! I’m very fond of this event now; I only hope that my children carry it on when I’m too old to do it!”