Forum Topic

Sunday 12th August Gunnersbury Park: The London Mela: noon-9pm

Check out the action packed website..perhaps!http://www.londonmela.org

Jim Lawes ● 6513d11 Comments

Thanks Matt, I'll e-mail you privately.Just as a further thought on the Mela. Having watched teams of people prepare the park for the Mela for at least a week prior, and, again having seen teams of people still clearing away afterwards (still plenty of vehicles and equipment there today)- plus the cost of the performers etc on the day itself, does anyone have a ball-park idea of what the Mela might be costing the council tax payers of Hounslow and Ealing. Is it subsidised by Ken Livingstone? Arts Council grants?It just seems that what must be a vast outlay for a few hours of free entertainment, might not be the most effective way of spending such a sum, and that improved community cohesion and community spirit might be more effectively spent by investing in youth facilities in the area or some other equally underfunded local services.

Mick Brent ● 6498d

The car situation shouldn't have happened - am happy to follow that up if you would like me to. Email me by clicking on my name or email matt.harmer@hounslow.gov.ukBestMatt

Matt Harmer ● 6501d

I thought it was very bland and boring compared with some of the large country fairs I have attended this year doing charity work. The food was great as usual (if you had the fortitude to cope with the queues) but it could have benefitted from having a main "arena" with displays etc. This might have given a little more focus to the event. Overall, it seemed like an overgrown street market with music. We noticed that people didn't seem to be staying very long - a quick walk round then back to the car and queue to get out.Also as a local resident, we were a bit annoyed that resident's parking stickers had not been distributed this year (at least not to our bit of Lionel Road North). This meant a lengthy discussion with security and police every time we wanted to get in and/or out of our road.Mick

Mick Brent ● 6501d

Very good, I thought. I was there in the early afternoon and the atmosphere was excellent, with a higher number of family groups than one usually sees at events like this. The organisation seemed very good, and siting the funfair away from the houses in Lionel Rd will have helped, I'm sure.I'm proud that we have this event on our doorsteps and I hope that it will continue here for a long time to come.

Matt Harmer ● 6502d

Did anyone go to the Mela today? If so, how was it?

James de Vivenot ● 6502d

Bobby Friction DJ.                                                       

Hugh Telford ● 6511d

I see Bobby Friction will be the DJ of choice this year.  Whatever happened to last year's man, Abdul Cool?I love these names, don't you?

Phil Andrews ● 6511d

The event is now featured on the front page of TW8 and is a date for your diaries if you enjoy busy, action packed and colourful festivities. Pictures from previous years suggests that it's very popular amongst those who go along. Local residents may have to resort to earplugs as friends living that way say the sound systems are thunderously noisy.The above image suggests that is to be an Ealing Council sponsored Festival this time....does that mean that Hounslow won't have to foot some of the bills?  I'm up north that weekend..and will miss the chance to mingle with the jolly crowds, taste the spicy dishes and have a swing at the fairground!(picture by IDVC)

Jim Lawes ● 6512d

I went last year and really enjoyed it but I will be at the Oval this year for the England v India Test Match unfortunately.

Paul Fisher ● 6512d

Will you be going Jim?

Phil Andrews ● 6513d

Jim Lawes ● 6513d