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³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Asian Network will for the first time host performance stages and broadcast all the key action from A Baishakhi Mela in Brick Lane's Banglatown from 10 to 12 May.

This free event located in the streets around Brick Lane, London is the annual focal point for the UK's Bangladeshi community and has attracted a minimum 80,000 audience for the past 10 years.

Asian Network breakfast presenter Adil Ray, the Bengali Programme's Shawkat Hashmi, Anwarul Hoque and Mahbub will host the main Weaver's Field Stage along with Murtz and Noreen, while DJ Kayper will be scratching up a special Bengali mix set on the turntables.

The unmissable Asian Network DJ Wagon will also be located in Weaver's Field, with DJs dropping the freshest Bengali beats and Sylheti selection.

Over on the Allen Gardens Stage, Asian Network DJs Kan-D-Man and Limelight will be hosting and mixing up the best in drum 'n' bass, hip-hop, bhangra and dubstep.

Asian Network Controller Andy Parfitt said: "This event kicks off our summer of performances at Melas all over the country. Asian Network is all about new talent and we're delighted to be hosting A Baishakhi Mela for the first time, connecting with an important audience for Asian Network."

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Asian Network will start broadcasting highlights from the Main Stage performances just hours after the event on two A Baishakhi Mela special programmes:

Sunday 10 May
11.00pm-1.00am Weekend Bengali
Presenters: Anwarul Hoque and Mahbub

Tuesday 12 May
8.00-10.00pm Bengali Programme
Presenters: Shawkat Hashmi and Mahbub

Mela-goers will be able to watch Main Stage performances from Mumzy, Mumtaz, Kajol Dewan and more on the Asian Network website after the event – go to bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork for more details.

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Asian Network is committed to celebrating creativity from the Bengali community and providing a platform for new emerging talent. It was the first radio station to support British-Bangladeshi artist Mumzy, and its Bengali Programmes showcase international and UK Bengali music on a weekly basis.

Every Tuesday from 8.00 to 10.00pm the Asian Network's Bengali Programme presented by Shawkat Hashmi brings you the latest music news and views in Bengali.

You can view the main stage performances in two Bengali Programme specials from both stages at the event with a cast involving Adil Ray, Noreen, Kayper and the Bengali Programme at bbc.co.uk/asianetwork.

On Sundays from 11.00pm to 1.00am the Weekend Bengali show features music and entertainment in Bengali with Anwarul Hoque.

Listen to the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Asian Network, the Sound of Asian Britain, on digital TV, DAB digital radio and online at bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork.

Asian Network Publicity