NOT just any old bash - a Banglabash!The Ipswich area's Bangladeshi community showed how to party as they and hundreds of guests let their hair down for a great night of fundraising to bring a major appeal to a close.

NOT just any old bash - a Banglabash!

The Ipswich area's Bangladeshi community showed how to party as they and hundreds of guests let their hair down for a great night of fundraising to bring a major appeal to a close.

An Abba tribute band, Bangladeshi dancers and singers, auction and raffle, and a sumptuous meal were the key attractions.

But while everyone was having a great time, there was a serious side to the event at Trinity Park.

For all the money raised will go to help people struck by the devastating cyclone in Bangladesh to rebuild their shattered lives.

The appeal was launched last year after a cyclone swept across Bangladesh, killing 15,000 people, damaging more than two million acres of crops and killing 1.25 million livestock.

Even now many people are still without basic necessities - like fresh drinking water and shelter.

Bangladesh is one of the poorest countries in the world and its government estimated nearly one billion dollars would be needed to rebuild the infrastructure and restore livelihoods.

Organisers hope the proceeds of last night's event will take the appeal soaring past the £20,000 mark.

Fotik Miah, one of the organisers of the evening, said: “It was a fantastic occasion - a really good night.

“Everyone seemed to enjoy it and there were lots of great comments. It's a bit early yet to say how much was raised but we will announce it as soon as we have the figures.”

He thanked everyone who had supported the evening - all the guests who attended, but also the companies, groups and people who gave a cash donation or a prize for one of the fundraising activities being held during the evening, such as the charity auction, or sponsored different aspects of the event.

The appeal has been supported by a wide range of organisations, including companies, councils, banks, Ipswich Town, civic leaders and the police, and the media.

What do you think of the appeal's success? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk

FASTFACTS: How appeal cash will help

£5 can buy a family food for a day;

£10 pays for medical needs for a whole family;

£20 provides clothing for a family;

£50 for a household water purifier;

£100 pays for a temporary shelter for a family;

£300 for a permanent family shelter.