Swindon Mela 2013

Thousands enjoy the perfect Indian summer's day in Town Gardens! - 130+ PHOTOS

 

It's hard to believe this event was nearly cancelled by health & safety fears.

 

It's surely Swindon's best community gathering and everything possible should be done to preserve it and help it grow in Town Gardens.

 

See Facebook for more pictures + have your say.

 

Swindon Mela 2013

Town Gardens

14 September 2013

 

 

> FULL 130+ PHOTO GALLERY ON FACEBOOK

 

Mela Back On!

After successful talks with Swindon Borough Council, the 2013 Mela is going to happen after all

 

Town Gardens

Old Town, Swindon

Saturday 14 September 2013

For the 11th year running Swindon will be hosting the prize-winning Swindon Mela – the southwest’s biggest free festival, celebrating the sights, sounds and tastes of the best that the Indian sub-continent has to offer.

There's a jam-packed programme of professional performers, activities, crafts, stalls plus a series of headline acts on the Old Town Bowl stage.

And best of all, entry to the event is completely  FREE!

Please visit the Swindon Mela website via the link below for more information.

16 May 2013

 

Following a very positive meeting with the Leader of the Council, the Swindon Mela Project Team is pleased to announce that it will be running the Mela this year! 

Council leader, Cllr. David Renard has offered a special dispensation to enable the Mela to go ahead this year at the Town Gardens with a limit of 10,000 people. This is subject to the Mela project team having all of the appropriate event plans in place.

As with last year a Cabinet member decision will be required to authorise closure of the park for general access so numbers can be controlled and Cllr. Renard is happy to support this.

Leader of the Council, Cllr. Renard said: "This is a great outcome for everyone. The Council has actively supported the Mela over the last ten years and I do not want to lose it from the Swindon calendar."

"It contributes so much to the local community, economy and Swindon as a whole. The project team’s commitment to the Mela is very impressive and I look forward to working with them to ensure this year’s Mela goes well and to secure the long term future of the event."

Jaspal Bhui from the Mela project team said: “The Mela is a much loved and popular event and I am delighted that the Leader of the Council has enabled it to go ahead this year."

"Our dedicated team will do Swindon proud and put on another extraordinary day I am sure. I also welcome the Council’s willingness to work with us to explore options for next year and beyond so that we ensure the Mela is a permanent fixture on the Swindon event calendar.”

For more information, please email info@swindonmela.com

07 May 2013 

Shock as Swindon's big cultural event in Town Gardens is cancelled due to capacity problems

 

One of Swindon's biggest summer festivals won't be taking place this August after organisers decided to cancel the event.

 

The Swindon Mela - the massively popular all-day celebration of south asian arts and culture in Town Gardens - celebrated its 10th year in 2012.

 

But a statement by the Mela committee cites a disagreement with the Council over the 5,000 crowd limit in the Old Town park as a major reason why the 2013 event planned for 24 August will not now go ahead.

 

Previously a capacity of 10,000 was allowed but this has now been halved over safety fears.

 

Health & safety regulation

 

In recent years, the committee has raised concerns on funding and increased insurance costs imposed.

 

Live acts were not allowed to use the bandstand, for instance, in 2011 & 2012 because of perceived health & safety issues, although no serious accidents have been reported at the festival since it started.

 

In 2012, visitors were asked to make a £2 contribution on entry for the first time in an attempt to meet rising expenses.

 

Swindon's other big cultural showcase, The Big Arts Day at Lydiard Park, was cancelled earlier this year due to Council funding issues.