Mega Mela cancelled

Cancelled...Rochdale Mega Mela 2009

This year's Mega Mela, described as one of the largest cultural gatherings in the North West, has been cancelled following unresolved issues between the organisers and the council.

This year would have been the 15th year of the popular annual event, but following a letter of refusal from the council earlier this year the organisers have been unable to resolve particular issues, leading to the cancellation of the event.

Mohammed Sawar from Rochdale’s Multicultural Arts and Media Centre said: “It is with regret that we need to announce the cancellation of this year’s Mela scheduled to be held on 19 July in the Town Centre.

“The Mela Committee has been working hard over a number of months to resolve a number of issues to satisfy the Council and Police requests, including a reduction of Mela activities and size. There have been difficulties in agreeing a venue and costs involved. Unfortunately bills have already been incurred leaving Multicultural arts and Media Centre (MAMC) in a very difficult position financially.

“Therefore at the eleventh hour the Mela Committee has taken the decision to not go ahead with the event this year and apologises to all its partners and the local communities of the borough. Discussions are underway with the Council, Arts Council (North West) and Police representatives to find a way forward that both MAMC and the statutory services agree with for future years."