A fusion of food, music and dance from around the world is coming to Maidstone.

The increasingly popular Maidstone Mela, now in its sixth year, will give visitors a taste of cultures from Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean.

Thousands of people from many ethnic backgrounds are expected to join the fun in Mote Park on Sunday, September 14, as they tap their feet to the rhythm of African drumming, samba to the sound of steel drums or jig to an Irish reel.

There will be two stages operating during day, hosting displays from the Nepalese community, the Bengali community, Scottish dancing and a display from the Mandy Ellen Britain’s Got Talent dancers to name but a few. The Finnish and Polish communities will also be strongly represented.

Food is major part of the festival: visitors will be able to enjoy the full range of spicy dishes from across the globe.

The headline event in the evening will be a two-hour concert from Abba tribute band, Voulez Vous, starting at 5pm.

The Mela opens at 1pm with a parde of schoolchildren at 1.30pm followed by a welcoming address from Cllr Brian Moss, Maidstone council’s cabinet member for culture.

The free event is organised by Maidstone council in partenership with the North West Kent Racial Equality Council. This year it has also received funding from the Arts Council to include an outreach programme with schools and to create a new piece of music which will be performed at the Mela.

The first Mela, in 2003, was the inspiration of the then Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Morel D’Souza.