ORGANISERS of the Swindon Mela have pledged to build on the success of this year's event.

The Swindon Mela executive committee hosted its first annual meeting last night to discuss ways to make the 2007 Mela an even bigger hit.

The organisation is set to register as a company and a charity next year.

Council leader Rod Bluh was on hand to offer his support and told the people behind the Mela it was a case of keep on and well done'.

Speaking to members of the public at the Drove Children's centre, Mela chairwoman Rizvana Sheikh said: "Melas traditionally attract an Asian crowd but this Swindon Mela is diverse in many ways. It's really something that we should treasure."

This year was the fourth Swindon Mela but at one stage it looked as though the event was in doubt when sponsor NatWest pulled out, leaving a £20,000 shortfall.

Coun Bluh said it was important the festival carried on for the regeneration of Swindon.

"Places are about people and it's about the vibrancy of the place," he said.

"The Mela I know is incredibly successful because it draws people in from all over.

"All I can say is it can go on to be even bigger and better."

Coun Bluh spoke of the need to re-ignite a sense of community in the town and said it was important to get people involved in setting up the Mela.

He suggested the committee draw up a wish list of items they need help with which could be passed around businesses and other organisations in the town.

"I can only say from what I know of the Mela what a fantastic job you have all done," he said.

"If there's anything we can do, any real practical support, we will provide it at your disposal because we really think it's important."

July's event attracted more than 16,000 but Rizvana said the Mela would not be moving to a bigger stage.

"We are loath to move out of the Old Town Gardens because it's such a good setting," she said.

The 2007 Swindon Mela will be on Saturday, July 28.

Helen Miah, the council's arts services manager, added: "I think the Mela's fabulous in terms of what a community can do. I am very excited that we are here and we are already thinking about next year's Mela and getting ahead of the game. We look forward to a long relationship with the Mela"

"We could use the space better. We already feel we used it better in 2006 as opposed to past events and we have got a few ideas for next year."

Rizvana also insisted the Swindon Mela would remain a free event despite suggestions that charging entry would be a good way to raise funds.