The second Bury Mela event took place in Openshaw Park on Saturday, drawing crowds to the stalls and performances despite the unpredictable weather.
The South Asian Community Festival which aims to “integrate the diverse community of Bury”, was opened by the Mayor of Bury, Cllr Sandra Walmsley and her consort, James Bentley on Saturday, June 15.
Alongside the pair was also the Leader of the Council, Eamonn O'Brien and Chief Executive of the Council, Lynne Ridsdale, who kicked off the festival with speeches and a quick dance on the stage.
Cllr Walmsley said: “I really want to say that this isn’t possible without all the sponsors, the community groups and Ummrana and her team at the B.A.M.E Project who have been absolutely amazing.”
Alongside various food stalls, the free-to-attend festival boasted a fun fair, clothing stalls, henna and face painting and the main stage to host the acts up until the closure of the festival at 9pm.
During the event, the founder of The B.A.M.E Project, Cllr Ummrana Farooq, who organised the event said she had high hopes for the day.
She said: “So far, we are doing well, it’s starting to get a bit busier and we have all our stall holders set up and ready.
“People were a bit nervous yesterday because of the rain but today it looks clear so fingers crossed it can stay like this.
“It is a really good atmosphere, everyone is really happy and happy to come out and enjoy the space.”
Around 3,000 people attended last year's festival and Ummrana said she had hoped to double that this year.
Following the festival, she said: “The Mela was a success despite the weather and the community is looking forward to it being an annual event in Bury.
"Footfall this year was obviously less due to the weather, I would say around 1000 to 1500, but I personally think that our collaborative work with Bury Council, GMP, Foster Care, Bury VCFA and The BID will grow and become a legacy for the borough of Bury."
Eamonn O'Brien thanked of organisers and sponsors for hosting the event along with Ummrana “for all the work that she does not just today but all year round”.
He said: “Thank you so much for inviting us and it is looking like a wonderful day so it is great that we are here and enjoying it after the success of last year.
“Enjoy yourselves in this lovely part of our borough and go around all stalls and listen to what people are telling you because the community is about sharing all of your ideas, thoughts and interests.”
Ahead of the event, organisers had feared the festival could be postponed as they did not receive funding from the National Lottery Project Grants programme and instead, had to call on the help of local businesses for their support.
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