NEXT year's Swindon Mela has the backing of Robert Buckland MP who is calling for help to make sure that one of the town's most popular events will go ahead.

Event organisers have been forced to cancel the Swindon Mela in the past due to not having enough money or volunteers to organise it.

The plug was pulled on the celebration of South Asian music, culture and food at the eleventh hour this year when it was due to be held at Town Gardens, Old Town, in August.

It was the third time in as many years that the Mela had been advertised and then called off at relatively short notice.

Organisers said that despite discussions with Swindon Borough Council and other safety event partners they were unable to make the necessary arrangements to a satisfactory standard before the deadline.

The Swindon event was once named as one of the best Mela’s in the UK and described by The Times newspaper as one of the best free events in the UK in 2007.

Now Mr Buckland wants to make sure nothing gets in the way of next year's Mela in the town.

“The Swindon Mela is a fantastic local event that has been taking place in the Town Gardens over the past fourteen years," he said.

“The Mela provides many benefits to Swindon from community cohesion, showcasing local performing and creative artists to proving economic benefits. The event helped to put Swindon on the map in 2007 when it was named as one of the top Mela’s in the country.”

Mr Buckland is calling on as many people as possible to volunteer their help in various roles which include marketing, medical, health and safety, food hygiene, programme sellers, legal advisors, light goods transport and many more.

Event Organiser, Sonny Hamid said: “The Swindon Mela has been a regular annual event since 2002. It is the South West’s largest and most established event of this kind and one of the most successful attracting over 20,000 people at the 2013 event.

“The event is organised by the Swindon Mela Project Team who are all volunteers. The effort required to stage and organise such a huge event is considerable and we are constantly seeking volunteers and supporters.

“Project Team Members would be delighted to address any commercial and community groups and deliver a stand-up presentation, if required, on the Mela, how we plan and manage the event and what skills and resources are required for the benefit of the Mela.”

For further information about the event and to find out how you can help, please contact Sonny Hamid on 01672 811 933 or 07767 618 919.