Monday, March 21, 2016, London, UK – East Shopping Centre, Europe’s first purpose-built boutique Asian shopping centre, celebrated its first anniversary with an afternoon of music, food, family activities and of course a stunning display of Asian fashion. The fun-filled day saw live performances from international music stars, Juggy D, and Mumzy Stranger, live make-up demos from the Lubna Rafiq Academy, dance workshops from Absolute Bollywood, and chief guest Lyn Brown, MP for West Ham.

Crowds at East Shopping Centre danced throughout the afternoon to Juggy D, the self styled Punjabi Rockstar, who performed some of his classic favourites, whilst award-winning British Asian singer Mumzy Stranger gave fans a special preview of his brand new single Jaan Atki.

In between some shopping and interviews with local media, Lyn Brown joined the owners of East Shopping Centre, Bob Popat and Mohammed Akhtar in cutting the spectacular cake, which was modelled to replicate the façade of East Shopping Centre.

Bob Popat, a partner at ACR Investments, the force behind East Shopping Centre said: “It’s been a fantastic day here at East Shopping Centre, celebrating our first year of business. We’ve had a wonderful first year of bringing the very best in Asian fashion to East and attracting over 1.4 million people from across the country. We are confident that our top retail brands, competitive pricing and safe, vibrant environment will continue to bring in customers and local support.”

Singer Mumzy Stranger, a local East Londoner added: “It’s great to have East Shopping Centre here on Green Street, which has long been a business hub for the vibrant Asian community in this area. It’s the perfect place for Europe’s first Asian shopping centre and it has attracted over a million people to the area in just its first year. I’ve enjoyed being part of the anniversary celebrations today, performing my brand new single Jaan Atki and meeting so many of my fans from the area.”

Other activities throughout the day included renowned Bollywood Dance Company Absolute Bollywood teaching Bollywood dance to customers, a live make-up tutorial by the talented Lubna Rafiq Academy and music from DJ Dhruv. Children were kept busy and entertained with face painting, popcorn and a selfie zone installed in a traditional Indian tuk tuk by Bollywood Booths. Additional guests included Desi Rascals star Feryal Khan and star of hit YouTube comedy series Cornershop, Islah Abdur Rahman.

Since officially launching in March 2015, East has welcomed approximately 1.4 million visitors, significantly contributing to the economic growth of East London’s iconic Green Street, and making the mall a benchmark shopping destination for the British Asian community. East has also provided opportunities to small and local businesses, had a positive impact on the community by creating jobs and providing a safe, attractive environment for families and friends to shop and spend time.

From chic couture and everyday fashions to specialist modest-wear shops and bridal couture, there is something for everyone and every budget at East Shopping Centre. Established high-end couture brands such as Anjalee & Arjun Kapoor to designer brands like Raishma, Aab and Bidaai, join independent retailers like Zarkan of London and Jilbabs ‘R’ Us to provide the latest in South Asian fashion.

East has also become a prime destination for wedding shoppers, with eight specialist outlets specifically servicing brides and grooms or those attending parties and events. The vibrant centre is anchored by The Souk, which is designed to mirror bustling eastern marketplaces, with its colourful lighting and beautifully finished gold-rendered walls and smaller shops retailing costume jewellery, perfume and clothes.

The Food Court has become regular haunt for many of the locals, with eateries including Brioche Burger, Roosters Piri Piri, Waffle Paradise and Coffee Republic.

The vibrant centre is developed on the one-acre plus site of a landmark former bus depot. It comprises 35 two-storey units, a 17-unit Souk and a spacious 220-capacity Food Court. A spectacular glass roof spans the length of the centre, giving East Shopping Centre a light, airy and open ambience.