AN OPEN meeting for the 2005 Swindon Mela is being held next Tuesday.

The meeting, at the Civic Offices, is open to all sections of the Swindon community interested in being involved in the spectacular community festival.

Those who want to get involved could find themselves managing the community stage, fashions shows and fundraising.

There will also be an opportunity to become a general member of the Mela organisation.

This will be a less hands-on role but will still be vital to the running of the popular event.

Dhiru Ladwa, the chairman of the Swindon Mela said: "The Mela is an event packed with diversity. I can think no better way of bringing together the diverse communities in Swindon."

Toby Rathbone, pictured, the performing arts officer for Swindon Council's Artscape said: "Organising the Mela takes dedication and hard work but it is one of the most rewarding events I've been involved in."

The meeting will be held in the Function Room at the Civic Offices at 7.30pm on February 8.