A VARIETY of entertainment with plenty of Eastern spice saw much needed funds raised for victims of the Bangladesh cyclone on Sunday.

A one-off fund-raising event, held at Swanley Hall, Wye, near Ashford, part of Imperial College, saw more than 300 guests enjoy a mixed programme of British and Bangladeshi performances and give generously to aid appeals.

Guests including Ashford mayor Cllr Rita Hawes, MP Damian Green and Lord Sheikh, were treated to music from Dr Mark Deller and his choir, a display by French magician Etienne Pradier, songs from children at Lady Joanna Thornhill’s primary school and traditional Bangladeshi singing and dancing, as well as a hearty curry lunch.

The event was organised primarily by Mahidur Rahman, owner of the Joshan of Wye restaurant, and all sums raised will go to communities affected by November’s devastating Cyclone Sidr.

Mr Rahman said: “I am delighted with the turn out – everyone had a wonderful time and I am so pleased so many people from our two communities came together for this cause.”

Mr Green added: “This event really shows how well integrated the Bangladeshi community is in this area that so many people were willing to give up their Sunday to support this cause.

“The whole world knew about the Boxing Day Tsunami struck south Asia in 2004, but Cyclone Sidr did not get a great deal of coverage, even though thousands were killed, orphaned and left homeless.

“Every penny raised from Sunday’s event will go towards helping those people to put their lives back together.”