New bid to re-launch Slough Mela
Organisers of an Asian cultural festival in Berkshire have appealed to businesses to resurrect the event.
The Slough Mela festival has been cancelled for the past two years in a row over policing costs.
East London Festival Ltd said it could not afford a £31,000 policing bill for the one-day event.
Director Ray Siddique, who said the event costs more than £160,000 to run, has appealed to the community to help raise cash.
He added: "There was a backlash last year from a lot of people who were angry and annoyed the event was cancelled.
"This time we are appealing for local organisations and the community to help with the police costs.
Mr Siddique said he had looked into raising ticket prices from £5 to £10 for adults but believed this would discourage people from coming and damage the event's reputation.
"What many people don't realise is that we have no financial help from the council.
"We need people to commit by the end of January as planning for an event this year must start in February."
Mr Siddique was previously involved in organising the summer event between 2000 and 2005.
Thames Valley Police said the level of police resources allocated is based upon a number of factors, including the event management plan, community information and previous reports of crime and criminality.
The event was also cancelled in 2008. The previous organiser, Complete Party Services, blamed the policing bill, road sign costs and the lack of a local authority grant for the decision to cancel.
