Baishakhi Mela - Celebration of Bangla New Year

Sunday 14th May will be a sight, sound and taste extravaganza as London’s East End hosts the Baishakhi Mela.

In its ninth year, the Baishakhi Mela celebrates Bangla New Year after a month of festivities. Culture and fun is the order of the day as musicians, chefs, artists and entertainers display their talents to nearly 100,000 members of the public from both the UK and abroad.

Held in ‘Banglatown’ the Mela kicks off at 11.00am with a colourful parade from Allen Gardens along Brick Lane and into Weavers Fields. Spectacular attractions such as a huge Bengal Tiger, Peacock Boat, Bridal Ride, Rickshaws and the massive Metal Elephant will take part in the parade alongside children in traditional attire, musicians, dancers and community leaders.

For food lovers, Brick Lane is the place to be. With special offers in over 45 restaurants and food stalls along the street, the famous road proves why it has such a great reputation for serving curry. Pedestrianised throughout the Baishakhi Mela, Brick Lane will become a bustling marketplace as stallholders sell handicrafts and traditional Bangladeshi fashion wares alongside face painters and street entertainers.

Weavers Fields and Allen Gardens will have stages for music, dance and drama performances as well as a fun fair, street performers, stalls for food and crafts and a Sports Zone.