MOBO award-winner Raghav will headline the 25th staging of Middlesbrough Mela, the North East’s biggest and longest-established multicultural festival.

The Canadian-born artist, whose hits include Angel Eyes, Can’t Get Enough and Let’s Work It Out, is the first headline act to be confirmed for the event, which takes place on the weekend of June 6 and 7 and is expected to attract an audience of about 50,000.

The singer is making his second appearance at the festival, more than a decade after his first, and the event will be the scene of his only UK appearance this year.

Middlesbrough Mela programming manager Kash Petal said: “Raghav’s 2004 appearance at the Mela remains one of the most memorable shows we’ve ever had.

“He was at his peak popularity back then and created such a frenzy among the crowd that extra security had to be brought in."

Other acts confirmed for the event are UK Bhangra performer Balwinder Safri and Welsh singer Nesdi Jones, voted 2014’s best newcomer in the UK Bhangra awards.

Following a successful launch last year, the festival will again commence with a parade featuring dozens of local children, a camel, a tiger and an elephant.

Based in Centre Square in Middlesbrough town centre, the two day event is expected to attract a record number of visitors to experience a diverse mix of live music and foods from around the world, as well as craft and fashion stalls.