THE date has been announced for the 27th Middlesbrough Mela which celebrates the town’s multi-cultural heritage.

The annual event which has attracted upwards of 50,000 people is back in Centre Square on July 15 and 16 and performers and stall holders are already signing up.

Mela committee chairman Raza Rashid said: “The team are really excited about this year’s event especially about the decision to make Saturday World Music day. We are packing in more activities on the main festival field than ever before and keeping everything crossed that the sun will shine brightly on us.”

The first groups to sign up as stall holders and supporters of the 2017 event were the Middlesbrough Council labour group, Jury’s Inn and face painter Cheryl Grange.

Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd said: “We are always proud to support the Mela and get involved in what is one of the best displays of culture and diversity anywhere in the UK.

“It’s a guaranteed great weekend out for anyone and everyone, a symbol of the great community spirit here in Middlesbrough and a fantastic spectacle.”

Potential new stall holders are also now being encouraged to sign up for the festival, which will run from noon until 6pm each day, by the Mela committee.

Famed for the quality of the food on offer, the weekend brings together the heady mix of aromatic Asian dishes with the back drop of entertainment and culture.

Community groups are also being sought to join in with the fun over the two-day event.

Held every year since 1990, the Middlesbrough College-sponsored Mela sees the town celebrate its culture and diversity through a wide range of music, entertainment, a funfair and a popular bazaar packed full of stalls.

Full details of acts taking part in this year’s Middlesbrough Mela will be announced in due course.