THE 25th Middlesbrough Mela is promising to be the biggest and the best one yet with a mix of music, arts, food, fashion and fun.

The Mela has grown year-on-year through the combined efforts of Middlesbrough Council and a dedicated team of community volunteers.

Over the two-day event visitors will be able to experience a diverse mix of live music, foods from around the world, craft and fashion stalls.

Based in Centre Square, the event provides world class music, a wide range of entertainment, a fun fair and a popular bazaar, packed full of stalls.

Following its successful launch last year, the Mela will again kick off with a colourful parade featuring hundreds of local children, a camel, a tiger and an elephant.

Mela committee chairman Satnam Singh, who has been involved for 17 years, said: “The Mela is an annual celebration of everything that’s great about Middlesbrough, and the huge crowds it attracts every year are a testament to its enduring and increasing popularity.

“It hasn’t always been easy to make it happen and funding is ever tighter, so we’re particularly grateful to our sponsors for the support they are giving us."

The event is organised by Middlesbrough Council in conjunction with a steering group comprising members of the local community.

Zoe Lewis, principal and chief executive from main sponsor Middlesbrough College, said: “The Mela is a wonderful family event that bring people from all backgrounds together from across the town for a wonderful mixture of entertainment, music and fun. Events like this help to build strong communities.”

For more details about stall booking or about the Mela visit www.boromela.co.uk