PREPARATION work has started on this year's celebration of multi-cultural food and entertainment that takes over Middlesbrough town centre.

And as part of the launch event, an exhibition celebrating 25 years of the Middlesbrough Mela has been hosted by the Cleveland Centre, showcasing a range of art works including a commemorative bowl created by ceramic artist Carol Newmarch.

The celebration will take place over the weekend of Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10, with organisers hoping to beat last year’s 25th anniversary record crowds.

Mela chairman Satnam Singh said: “As ever the committee has worked hard to ensure the 2016 Mela is one to remember.

“With great support from Middlesbrough Council and our sponsors, especially Middlesbrough College, we’re once again looking forward to a fantastic celebration of multicultural music, food, fashion and art.”

Organisers are on the look-out for new sponsors to get in touch, while bookings have opened for stalls at this year’s event, which brings a fabulous mix of world class music, a wide range of entertainment, a family fairground and a popular bazaar, packed full of stalls to the town.

Last year’s Mela attracted an audience of around 50,000 over the free two-day festival which took place in the town’s Centre Square, between the Town Hall and mima from midday on both Saturday and Sunday.

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

Visit www.boromela.co.uk for further details.