On Thursday 23rd July 2015, the launch for the London Mela festival was held at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, in Westminster, London. The London Mela will be taking place on Sunday 6th September 2015, in the grounds of Gunnersbury Park, West London.
The launch was hosted by the very amiable BBC Asian Network presenter, Bobby Friction and had many esteemed guests present, including the renowned footballer, Sol Campbell.
The event also marked the bicentenary of the close relationship between Nepal and the UK, celebrating the friendship, mutual understanding and respect that has characterised the 200 year connection between the two countries.
An auction was also held during the event. The proceeds went to three of the London Mela's charitable beneficiaries; Oxfam, The Gurkha Welfare Trust and Yumi Nepal, to support the victims of the Nepal earthquake. Items auctioned included Sol Campbell's signed football boots.
Addressing the guests at the event, International Development Minister, Baroness Verma said, “I am delighted to be at the London Mela festival to celebrate the strong connection between Nepal and the UK. This year marks 200 years of our close relationship- one that was evident in recent months when the UK was quick to respond to the devastating earthquakes by sending our skilled doctors, firefighters and aid volunteers to help the people of Nepal in their hour of need.”
She further stated, “I know that when crises happen overseas it is particularly tough for diaspora communities who have family and cultural ties with the country. Three months since the first earthquake hit, the UK continues to stand by Nepal through this difficult time by providing lifesaving shelter and safe water, by helping people rebuild hospitals and reclaim their livelihoods, and by ensuring the most vulnerable are protected.”
