Published: Saturday, 28th February, 2009 12:00pm

Slough Mela is back for 2009

by Aamina Masud

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SLOUGH'S biggest festival, which attracts 30,000 revellers, is back this summer.

Slough Mela, which was axed last year, will return to Upton Court Park on Sunday, July 19.

The colourful festival celebrates South Asian culture and will now be organised by East London Festival Ltd, which won the contract from Slough Borough Council last week.

Organiser Ray C, who hosted the Mela between 2000 to 2005, said: "We originally put the Slough Mela on the map and made it into a huge success. We have not been involved in it for the last three years and want to reassure everyone that we have the expertise to make this event a success once more. We have a task ahead of us but we put on big events though the year, and will bring the cream of the crop when it comes to entertainment, and make sure this is an unforgettable event."

This year's show will feature performances from celebrities from the Asian music industry, fun fair rides and hundreds of stalls selling food, jewellery and clothes.

There will also be a community stage where acts from the area will have a chance to perform.

The festival has been surrounded by controversy in the past few years. It was originally due to be organised by Slough-based firm Complete Party Services, which was awarded the three-year contract in 2007.

However, this contract ended after it cancelled the festival, which was due to take place on Sunday, July 20, 2007.

The council then invited event organisers to bid for the contract again.

A spokesperson for Slough Borough Council said: "We're really pleased that the Slough Mela is going ahead and hope everyone will take the opportunity to go along and join in the fun."