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With many Britons deciding to stay at home this summer, local community events have taken on a new lease of life – nowhere more so than in London's Tower Hamlets, as Lara Cerroni explains. Councils across the country are currently going through their budgets with a fine tooth comb to make their finances stretch further than ever before. And readers could be forgiven for thinking that community events would be among the first to get the axe. But in these tough economic times, when strained family budgets mean millions will remain at home for ‘staycations' this summer, community events are increasing in importance, as residents rely on them for affordable entertainment, and businesses thrive on the additional trade they bring to the area. Local authorities can play a crucial role in developing a booming community events calendar. And whether they provide manpower, expertise, cash – or all three, there are numerous ways for councils to offer support. Tower Hamlets LBC has an extensive annual programme of free festivals and events, which the council has nurtured and developed over many years. Events range from the East End Film Festival, an eight-day film extravaganza where the council is the lead partner, and a flagship Cultural Olympiad festival, in partnership with a specialist production company, to the Greenwich and Docklands Festival, where the council has a service level agreement. Together with a host of smaller events, these festivals provide the basis of a year-long programme. Lead member for culture at Tower Hamlets, Rofique U Ahmed, sums up what community events bring to the borough. He says: ‘The benefits of community events can be priceless. ‘Not only do they help develop a sense of goodwill between the council and its residents during these difficult economic times, but there are the added bonuses of increasing trade, raising civic pride and bringing people of different backgrounds together.' Nowhere is the realisation of these benefits more apparent than through the council's delivery of a Baishakhi Mela in Banglatown Brick Lane – one of the largest celebrations of the Bengali New Year outside of Bangladesh. Launched 11 years ago, the event grew in popularity, and to ensure the Mela had a future, the council decided to take the organisation in-house. Staff had the challenging task of bringing competing factions on board, while opening the event up to a wider audience. The council's arts and events team spoke to residents, local arts organisations, performers and previous organisers to try and ensure that the festival hit all the right notes. Attracting around 95,000 visitors, the free, one-day event which took place across three venues was a big hit. And it wasn't just the record-breaking attendance. With just 14 arrests and no health and safety issues, it was not only the biggest Mela, but also the safest. Costing around £290,000 in total to put on, the council invested £180,000, securing the additional cash from stall fees, grants and sponsorship. This not only ensured the future of the popular community event, but it helped build understanding between the different cultures within the borough. One-third of Tower Hamlets residents are Bengali, and by opening the event up to a wider audience it meant that all residents could celebrate and appreciate Bengali culture. The Mela also brought huge economic benefits to the borough. Bringing in trade to Tower Hamlets businesses, especially the restaurants of Brick Lane, the event also included more than 200 stalls, with many selling out of goods by the end of the day. And there were further benefits to be had for local businesses. The council introduced an enterprise zone, which was run by the Bangladesh British Chamber of Commerce, and offered support, advice and information to businesses throughout the day. Surveys carried out at the event showed that 99% of people were happy with the Mela, with 89% agreeing that it brought people together from different backgrounds. Gathering feedback at these types of events is vital, as it enables councils to find out what works and what doesn't. Tower Hamlets is now building on its cultural calendar, so that it will take it through the recession and beyond. As one of five Olympic host boroughs, nurturing local talent and providing top-quality events is a priority. Lara Cerroni is communications officer (culture) at Tower Hamlets LBC

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Let's get the parties started

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