Hundreds enjoy cultural festival

HUNDREDS of people attended the second annual Warrington Summer Mela – and ensured the event was a huge success.
Visitors to the Mela in Queen’s Gardens were treated to a range of cultural food, music and dance.
The event was organised by a number of local organisations including the Warrington Ethnic Communities Association (WECA), Golden Gates Housing Trust (GGHT) and Warrington Borough Council and was supported by Cheshire Fire, Cheshire Police, Stronger Together and Warrington Voluntary Action.
Attractions included the Bhangra dancers, Polish performers and Bollywood music. There was also food from a number of different cultures and a range of activities, including an inflatable assault course provided by the local Armed Forces that proved very popular with children.
Fair ground rides, games for children and adults and entertainment from Dhol players, traditional Ethnic singers added to the event.
Roy Smith, chairman of the GGHT Board, said: “Last year’s event was such a success that it was hard to imagine how it could be improved – but it was.
“GGHT is very proud to be part of an event in which our diverse communities work together to create such a great atmosphere.”
Sagheer Zamaan, of WECA, said: “We were worried that the weather would spoil the day but thankfully the sun stayed out and everybody was smiling throughout the day. The community spirit was evident for all to see and we are already looking forward to next year’s event.”
*A Mela is an Asian cultural festival.