Mega Mela - urgent discussions

Last years Mega Mela

The Mega Mela, the largest multicultural gathering of the North West region, has been refused permission to hold the event in Rochdale town centre by Rochdale Borough Council.

Council chiefs and event organisers are in urgent discussion this morning (Thursday 26 March) to resolve the issue.

A letter was sent from Chief Executive of Rochdale Town Centre Management, Debbie O’Brien, to the Chief Executive of Multicultural Arts and Media Centre, who run the Mega Mela, on Monday (23 March) explaining that members of the Cabinet had concerns about the event and did not want it to take place.

The letter does not suggest an alternative venue.

The Mega Mela would this year be in its 15th year and has become an admired annual event in the borough.

Mohammed Sarwar said: “We are in discussion to resolve the issue and I’d prefer not to say any more at this time”.

Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor Greg Couzens said: “I have spoken in great depths with Mohammed with regards the Mega Mela, and I fully support the idea.

“Unfortunately there is a discrepancy with an outstanding debt and some members have reservations with security in the town centre”.

Speaking at last year's Mega Mela event, Paul Rowen MP 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.”

Irene Davidson, Deputy Leader, Rochdale Borough Council said:  “We have listened carefully to the concerns from Town Centre Management and other partner organisations about staging the Mega Mela in the town centre.

"Public safety is a concern shared by many. However I am meeting with the organisers shortly to look at a way forward, and the possibility of identifying another location in the town.”