Apache Indian to headline at Mela

BRIT Award nominee and reggae star Apache Indian is topping the bill for Middlesbrough's multicultural festival, Mela, which is on this weekend (June 7 and 8).

Up to 50,000 visitors are expected to converge on central Middlesbrough on for the annual celebration of culture and diversity.

Supported for a third successive year by Middlesbrough College, big crowds are also expected to turn out for the Mela's music acts, Team PBN, Aman Any, Oshin Mehta, The Shama Rahman Band, Intenso, San2, Hussnain Lahori and the Bollywood Belles.

Hosted by actor, director and presenter Ameet Chana - of Eastenders and Bend it Like Beckham fame - the Mela main stage will be the central focuson Sunday afternoon after a Saturday event centred around health and wellbeing.

Apache Indian has sold 11 million albums world, whilst enjoying seven UK top 40 hits, so he is expected to be a huge hit at the end of seven hours of musical performances.

Entry is free of charge.