THE FAMOUS BRICK LANE CURRY FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR ITS 11TH YEAR celebrating its 'Curry Village' status ahead of London 2012 Presented in association with the BAISHAKI MELA (Bangladeshi New Year) 2011 When one thinks of the East End and eating a Curry, all roads lead to the Curry Heaven that is Brick Lane. Famous for the rich culinary delights that can be found from Bangladesh and India, the area is a haven for curry lovers and one of the most famous iconic roads in the UK for tourists and visitors alike. With its prime location in the centre of East London, the area has now been officially declared as the official 'OLYMPIC CURRY VILLAGE' for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. The Brick Lane Curry Festival is an internationally renowned festival, produced by the local restaurateurs with the support of local councillors and residents and event managed by the Clifton Arts and Events team. With Tower Hamlets being one of the official host boroughs of London 2012, visitors from all over the world will be able to experience the delicious cuisine, soak in the delightful atmosphere and enjoy a tantalising curry experience.

 

The Festival will kick start on Sunday 8th May in con-junction with the Baishaki Mela (Bangladeshi New Year Festival), which will see Brick Lane transformed in to an outdoor al fresco dining experience. Up to 40 participating restaurants will treat curry lovers to a street party with tables, chairs and stalls lined up to enjoy the special dishes cooked up by the talented chefs.

This year will also see the introduction of a unique 'Pitta' Market at the Culture Park in Allen Gardens, where there will be a rare opportunity to taste traditional delicacies and savoury dishes from the households of Sylhet and Bangladesh.

The Curry Festival continues on for a week as the restaurants introduce a bespoke 'Curry Festival Menu', going beyond the traditions of classical curry dishes, curry-lovers will have the opportunity to experience world-class chefs creating dishes from across North India and Bangladesh. There will be food discounts, special dishes and performance and dance sequences throughout the week.

The festivities begin with a colourful procession with musicians, dancers and children in costume. A wide range of music will be performed on the main stage in Weavers Fields including international and UK stars. A secondary stage will feature the best young and adult artists from across the UK Bangladeshi community and will showcase folk traditions in Allen Gardens. Weavers Fields will host a substantial fairground and a family friendly area for picnics and a range of free arts and crafts activities and interactive performances.