A FESTIVAL which celebrates a melting pot of different cultures, foods and music, returns to Middlesbrough next month.

Organisers of the Middlesbrough Mela have confirmed a line-up of stars for the event, on July 9 and 10, with a feast of multi-cultural food and entertainment also on offer.

They are hoping for record crowds again this year.

The event has been held every year since 1990 and sees the town celebrate its different cultures and diversity through a huge range of music, entertainment, a funfair and a bazaar packed full of stalls.

Last year’s 25th anniversary event attracted a record attendance of around 50,000 over the free two-day festival – and this year looks set to beat that figure.

The Mela – one of the North East’s largest and longest established multi-cultural festivals – has unveiled a line-up of top artists for the Sunday, alongside the usual food, fashion and family events.

Sunday’s performers will take to the stage between noon and 7pm, with a bill featuring Shide Boss, Raxstar, Sahara, Roach Killa and headline act Lehmber Hussainpuri.

The Saturday event, from noon to 6pm, concentrates on health and wellbeing and features a range of activities including wheelchair basketball, boxing, rock climbing and fending.

Performances from local community groups including Teesside School of Music, Rhythm Train and Bellamy School of Dance will also take place.

Mela chairman Satnam Singh said: “Mela is a fabulous mix of world class music, a wide range of entertainment, a family fairground and a popular bazaar and once again we’ve worked hard to ensure this year’s Mela is one to remember.”

He said he wanted to thank to sponsors of this year’s Mela, Middlesbrough College and Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger.

Councillor Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “Middlesbrough Mela is a fantastic celebration of multicultural music, food, fashion and art, and a powerful symbol of the community spirit that makes Middlesbrough such a fantastic place to live and visit.

“I have no doubt this year’s event will be the biggest and best yet.”

The Middlesbrough Mela is organised by Middlesbrough Council in conjunction with a local community steering group.

It takes place in Centre Square, between the Town Hall and mima, from noon to 6pm on Saturday, July 9 and noon to the 7pm finale on Sunday, July 10.

Visit www.boromela.co.uk for more information.