The 14th Rochdale Borough Mega Mela

Date published: 02/08/2008

The 14th Rochdale Borough Mega Mela (multicultural festival) weekend organised by the Multicultural Arts and Media Centre got off to a great start at Bowlee Park, Heywood Old Road, Middleton.

The Mela has become the largest multicultural gathering of the North West region and entertainment included, Middleton Pop Stars Academy, Langley Sklites Cheerleaders, Hohodza African Band, professional Kabaddi (Asian wrestling), a giant funfair and the highlight of the day, a stunning Asian fashion show staged by 'Suits Me' with professional models from London.

Opening the event, Mohammed Sarwar, the Chief Executive of the Multicultural Arts and Media Centre, paid tribute to the hard work that had gone into organising this superb extravaganza, thanking those who found the funding and those who gave funding, and he was he said particularly grateful for the support of both Middleton and Heywood Townships who gave finanical contributions. 

Local dignatories attending included the Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Robin Parker and Mrs Annie Jones, Paul Rowen MP, Jim Dobbin MP and many local councillors.

Paul Rowen summed up perfectly when he said:“The Mela is an excellent celebration of our diverse communities here in Rochdale. This year’s event went very well and is a tribute to the hard work of the dozens of people behind it.”

Rohdale Online's Malcolm Journeaux said: The Mela was clearly well organised, from the car parking, the security, to help with setting up the stands, advice from the health and safety manager, even each food stand was inspected, all bases were covered. The atmosphere during the event was great and it was a real family day out, however, the venue is simply too far out for many in the Borough and my belief is that the event should take place in Rochdale Town Centre."