TOWN Hall bosses have had to extend the deadline to find people to help run Europe’s biggest Mela festival in London’s East End. The original deadline has been put back seven weeks by Tower Hamlets council after a disappointing response. Nobody as yet has been appointed

TOWN Hall bosses have had to extend the deadline to find people to help run Europe’s biggest Mela festival in London’s East End.

The original deadline was January 23, but the closing date has been put back seven weeks by Tower Hamlets council after a disappointing response.

Nobody as yet has been appointed, the authority admits.

The council is offering voluntary and unpaid seats on the board of a new Mela Trust to help shape the future of the annual community festival which is fast becoming a rival to the Notting Hill Carnival.

Council cabinet member Rofique Ahmed said: “We’ve extended the deadline and want to encourage people who are enthusiastic, committed and have experience in relevant areas.”

The independent trust to manage the Banglatown Mela in Brick Lane is being set up after several years of rival factions bidding to run the May event year on year.

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The authority wants people with experience in arts and cultural events management, fundraising, financial management and public safety.

Applications are being taken by Tower Hamlets arts and events unit by post to Brady Arts centre, 192-96 Hanbury Street, Whitechapel, London, E1 5HU, or by email.

The new deadline for return of Expression of Interest forms is March 9, before 5pm.

The Banglatown Mela’s grand Sunday parade is on May 10 along Brick Lane to Weaver’s Field and Allen Gardens.