The 25th Middlesbrough Mela attracts thousands
The 25th Middlesbrough Mela has got off to a colourful start. Tens of thousands of people are expected to enjoy the event on Saturday and Sunday.
The 25th Middlesbrough Mela has got off to a colourful start. Tens of thousands of people are expected to enjoy the event on Saturday and Sunday.
Thousands of people have gathered to celebrate the 25th Middlesbrough Mela.
The event aims to bring together all communities from across the town in a celebration of international cultures, food and fashion.
This year's show features performances from local dance schools, a huge range of food stalls as well as sporting events and fairground rides.
The two-day Mela will also feature Stockton's X Factor contestant Kerrianne Covell tonight, and other high profile performers tomorrow.
Organisers say they expect a record breaking 50,000 visitors to this year's Mela which will end tomorrow night with a grande finale.
"I would personally like to thank the local community for their amazing donations of food, toiletries and clothing. "
Owners John and Irene Hays say there is ''light at the end of the tunnel'', after the pandemic forced them to close 650 UK stores.
There has been resistance to calls to dismantle memorials to the explorer.