The 9th Tunbridge Wells Mela is due to take place on July 13 in Calverley Gardens between 12.30pm and 6pm. The Mela has been organised in partnership by arts organisation Cohesion Plus, Sue Latham Events and Kent Equality Cohesion Council.

Gurvinder Sandher the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council today has launched a fundraising appeal to try and raise some much needed cash to help cover some of the shortfall. “We are very pleased that our partners have been able to secure funding though Arts Council England for the Mela, however this will not cover all the costs of the Mela such as infrastructure, marketing and artists. We are looking for not only local business but also individuals to contribute. Last year we as a charity had to cover the shortfall, this is something I am keen to avoid this year. That is why we have launched today a way for small donations between £1 and £10 to be made to the Mela via text messaging to 70070, then in the message section type KECC11 followed by the amount you wish to donate. This is the first time we are trying something like this and hope that this approach can be successful” 

To Support the Tunbridge Wells Mela please text 70070, followed by KECC11 and the amount you wish to donate between £1 and £10.