Kent Equality Cohesion Council

Tag: Sahrudaya West Kent Keralites

  • Tunbridge Wells Mela 2022 a Huge Success

    Tunbridge Wells Mela 2022 a Huge Success

    The 16th Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival took place in Calverley Grounds on Sunday 24th July 2022 and saw thousands turn out to support. The Mela was organised in partnership by Cohesion Plus and Kent Equality Cohesion Council supported by Arts Council England and Royal Tunbridge Wells Together.

    Festival goers were able to enjoy a rich and culturally diverse artistic programme both on and off stage. Highlights included the Paul Dunton Orchestra and Sahrudaya West Kent Keralites who wooed everyone with their high energy performances, the ever popular Kings of Dhol, and Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band amongst many others.

    Other highlights included D-Bollywood, Bloco Fogo and Circus Raj. The event was climaxed with the One Love Orchestra who had everyone up and dancing to their renditions of classics by the king of reggae himself, Bob Marley. Deputy Lieutenant Georgie Warner was the Chief Guest.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented, “I am really proud of what we were able to achieve. The Tunbridge Wells Mela is a shining beacon of how music, food and dance can bring communities together and celebrate shared values. The event’s success is underpinned by the many loyal festival attendees who turn out every year to support and enjoy the rich culturally diverse offering that the Mela provides. I would like to thank everyone who worked with us to deliver the Mela and everyone who came and attended.”

  • Tunbridge Wells Mela a Success Despite the Poor Weather

    Tunbridge Wells Mela a Success Despite the Poor Weather

    Despite the heavy rain and thunder over 1000 people attended the 15th Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival in Calverley Grounds on Sunday 25th July. The Mela was organised in partnership by Cohesion Plus and Kent Equality Cohesion Council supported by Arts Council England and Royal Tunbridge Wells Together.

    The Mayor of Tunbridge Wells Cllr Chris Woodward was also in attendance and thanked everyone for supporting the Mela which was now one of the highlights of the event calendar in Tunbridge Wells.

    Those who braved the poor weather saw a range of Kent based diverse acts on stage. Highlights included the Paul Dunton Orchestra and Sahrudaya West Kent Keralites who wooed everyone with their high energy performances, the ever popular Phase 5 Steel Band and Uzambezi African ensemble.

    Other highlights included G Town Talents who performed grime and rap. The event was climaxed by the Kings of Bhangra Four by Four who had everyone up and dancing in the midst of the rain.

    Gurvinder Sandher, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented, “I am really proud of what we were able to achieve. The Tunbridge Wells Mela is a shining beacon of how music, food and dance can bring communities together and celebrate shared values. The popularity of the event can be seen by how many people came out in what was the worst weather in which we have delivered an outdoor event. I would like to thank everyone who worked with us to deliver the Mela and everyone who came and attended.”