Mela 2005 

Nearly 15,000 people of all ages celebrate the diversity of Asian culture at the third Swindon Mela

Cultural feast: the Swindon Mela 2005

The glamour of Bollywood more than made up for the overcast conditions as talented dancers and musical acts took centre stage in Town Gardens.

In a day of entertainment, onlookers enjoyed a festival atmosphere that also included activity zones, fun fair, a health zone and a Mela market where traders sold clothes, fabrics, jewellery, crafts and many other items.

The food on offer was especially popular, with queues forming for a taste of the fayre on offer.

Music lovers enjoyed performances on the bandstand and in the Old Town Bowl from leading Bhangra artists, as well as classical Asian, folk and gawwali musicians.

"Once again, the Swindon Mela has proved a huge success," said organisor Toby Rathbone, of Swindon Artscape.

"The event keeps getting bigger and better year on year, and it seems everyone has really enjoyed the vibrant mix we've laid on today."