Thousands flock to Bury Mela 2022

The first of its kind, Bury Mela, was organised by councillor for Bury East, Ummrana Farooq, to integrate the diverse community of Bury.

And according to Cllr Farooq the event has been well recieved and she is hoping to make it an annual event.

The event was opened by the Mayor, Cllr Shaheena Haroon.

The mayoress, Cllr Ayesha Arif, is also in attendance.

There are currently just over 1000 people at the event today alongside the mayoress and James Frith - and Cllr Farooq said she is overwhelmed but happy.

Bury Mela. Picture by Danny Crompton

She said: "It's been brilliant to be honest, its been really well attended and successful event and I look forward to doing it annually.

"I asked the commitee what they wanted in terms of location for an annual event and they said they wanted it in Openshaw Park so that's why we did it here and it's the first time that this park has had such an event like this.

"I reckon there is just over a thousand people here, the vibes are brilliant, the weather is nice so it has got everybody out and it's very diverse as well which I'm really excited about because it's all about getting the diverse community out in one place and I think we have achieved that here today.

Bury Mela. Picture by Danny Crompton

"We have got food stalls here, clothes stalls, information stalls and a famous ice cream van as well.

"It's very overwhelming that 100 people are here and for myself doing it and bringing it to Bury I feel really happy and overwhelmed basically that I have done this for my town, this is the town where I was born and bred as well and I am a councillor here as well so I think it is fantastic what we have done here today."

The event, part of the B.A.M.E project organised by Cllr Farooq, has featured a day of live performances from singers Usman Farooqi, Maz Bonafide and Haseeb and Muki.

The day has also featured Bollywood dancers who have travelled from Leicester to be at the event, and food stalls with Asian and English cuisine as well as a funfair and activites for children.

Danny Crompton captured some fantastic pictures and videos of the event and said he can't remember the last time there was an event this big in Opensahw Park.

He said: "Being the first Mela organised event in Bury, it's extremely well attended and organised.

"I can't remember a bigger event in Openshaw Park in recent times.

"People are still arriving from all cultural backgrounds.

"The weather is great, the entertainment astounding and the food is excellent, I wouldn't be surprised if it hits 2,000 people."

Bury Mela. Picture by Danny Crompton

The event began this morning at 11AM and will continue until 9PM this evening with more entertainment and fun for all and entry is free.