Preparations are now at an advanced stage for the much loved Maidstone Community Mela which will be taking place in Whatman Park for the second year running on Sunday 22nd July between 12.30 pm and 6pm. The event is organised by Cohesion Plus and Kent Equality Cohesion Council supported by funding from Awards for All, KCC Members Fund, Golding Homes as well as donations from members of the public. The Mela has been taking place in the borough since 2003 and is delivered in partnership with local partners and volunteers who have all worked tirelessly to ensure that Mela will take place again this year.

This year has been a particular challenge with regards to funding. Nonetheless spurred on by the festival’s diehard fans and after months of hard work and fundraising the Mela will return this year offering an even bigger and better programme, with food from all around the world and off stage interactive arts activity. The stage programme highlights include Brazilian Group Lambrego, Dance Asia Bollywood Performers, Chinese Dancing Lions, Maidstone Nepalese Community Group, Folkin Fusion Drumming Collective and Tanni-I Browne leading Bob Marley Tribute.

According to Gurvinder Sandher who is leading on the Community Mela, “Delivering the Mela has been a long and hard road this year with funding being very thin on the ground. However, the out pour of support from the public for the Maidstone Community Mela has really help bolster our commitment to delivering the event again. It is so necessary to host an a Mela that truly reflects the diverse communities of the borough and we will always hold firm to the belief that events such as the Mela promote community cohesion celebrating shared British values. Everyone is welcome at the Mela and we really look forward to showing the public our great artistic and food offering this year.