by Thom Morris

tmorris@thekmgroup.co.uk

The postponed Gravesend Mela Festival will take place next weekend.

The celebration will now be held on Saturday, August 18, at the Bandstand on the promenade.

It was due to be held last month but was cancelled at the last minute because of torrential rain.

The Mela will be held between 2pm and 5.30pm alongside the New Shrimpers Regatta and will include performances by Jazzy B (pictured), Benny Dhaliwal, Raju Dinehwala, Jai, Shin Cobra, Four by Four Bhangra and the Iconic Roadshow.

Organiser Gurvinder Sandher said: "We have worked very hard to rearrange the Mela. I am especially grateful to all the artists especially Jazzy B and his management for their understanding following the last minute cancellation of the event, our community partners and our funders Arts Council England.

"I am hoping that we will have a great day and that the local community will come and support this free community event.

"There will be a number of emerging artists performing and is an excellent showcase for the new talent which is coming through on the Bhangra and urban music scene."

Jazzy B said: "I have a great many fans in Kent especially Gravesend and I know that they are looking forward to coming along and supporting this fantastic community event."