A festival held to celebrate the cultural diversity of Maidstone residents is being moved into the town centre.

Founded 14 years ago, Maidstone Mela features music, dance and food from around the globe at Mote Park.

But with the town’s changing population – and the need to make the Mela financially self-sustaining – organisers say they now plan to take the next Mela to the masses by holding a series of events across the town.

The specific locations have not yet been revealed, but Jubilee Square in High Street is a strong contender.

Last year’s festival, organised by Maidstone Borough Council in partnership with Cohesion Plus, Mela Steering Group and Kent Equality Cohesion Council, featured Polish folk musicians, plus Nepalese, Bulgarian and Irish dancers.

Cllr Gordon Newton, chairman of Maidstone council’s Heritage, Culture and Leisure Committee, said moving the Mela would re-energise it.

“Since 2002 the town and its population have changed considerably,” said Cllr Newton. “In view of the changing communities and the competing demands on us as a local authority, it is time to consider what the Mela represents and what format it should take going forward.

“Research this year will help to clarify this and investigate how it can be funded to make it sustainable in the future.

“We will be consulting with the local communities who have been engaged through the Maidstone Mela Advisory Group. We also aim to meet with those communities that never have been, or are no longer, engaged and ask them for their input.

“We are delighted to be working again with Cohesion Plus Kent who have been involved with the Mela since its inception.

Cllr Dave Sargeant (UKIP), added: “I think it is a fairly positive move because the Mela was losing some of the impetus had in the early years.

Maidstone Street Mela will feature street performances and interactive arts workshops. It will take place on Saturday, September 10.