downsmail.co.uk
Mela takes to streets to find new energy
MAIDSTONE’S culturally-di- verse Mela is going on the move. The Mela, which takes place in September each year, will be mov- ing from Mote Park to the town centre, with a new format which is designed to reach out to wider au- diences. TheMelawas introduced in 2002
to build a better understanding be- tween local communities and cele- brate the diversity of Maidstone’s residents. Featuring music, dance and food
from around the globe, the Sunday afternoon event quickly became a successful,well-respected and cul- turally diverse celebration. But with the town’s changing population – and the need to make the Mela financially self-sustaining – organisers now plan to take the festival to the masses. The first Maidstone Street Mela
will be a celebration of culturally diverse arts, with street perform- ances and interactive arts work- shops. It will take place at venues around the town centre on Satur- day, September 10.
GDF Productions performing at the Maidstone Mela last year Cllr Gordon Newton, chairman
of Maidstone Council’s heritage, culture and leisure committee, said moving the Mela would re-ener- gise the festival. He said: “In view of the chang-
ing communities and the compet- ing demands on us as a local authority, it is time to consider what the Mela represents and what format it should take. “Research will help to clarify this
and investigate how it can be funded to make it sustainable.” The council will be consulting with the local communities who
have been engaged through the Maidstone Mela Advisory Group and aims to meet those communi- ties that never have been, or are no longer, engaged and ask them for their input. Cllr Newton said: “Since 2002,
the town and its population have changed considerably. “This is a good opportunity to update and re-energise this great event, to reach new audiences and to bring together more people to enjoy music, dance and food from within our multi-cultural commu- nity.”
New chair
for Tories MAIDSTONE and TheWeald Conservative Association has elected a new chairman to lead its battle to regain overall con- trol of Maidstone Council. He is for-
mer Maid- stone borough and Kent County councillor Alan Chell, who held the office for three years when Helen Grant was selected as the par- liamentary candidate. Retiring chairman Brian
Moss highlighted in his report Mrs Grant’s general election success in doubling her major- ity to about 10,000. Cllr Matt Boughton was elected deputy chairman (po- litical) and Andrea Thorpe deputy chairman for member- ship and fundraising.
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