A FESTIVAL celebrating a rainbow of different cultures through food, music and dance takes place on Sunday.

Hundreds are expected at the fourth Maidstone Mela in Mote Park.

The event starts at 12.45pm with a cololurful parade with more than 150 children from Maidstone-area schools taking part.

On stage, there will be performances from the award-winning Bollywood brass band, the Uzambezi African singing and dance troupe, the Four by Four Bhangra Group and the Phase 5 steel band.

Primary and secondary schools will also perform music and dance as part of the Cultural Beats project.

There will be a wide range of food available from around the world - including Indian, Thai, Greek, Finnish, French, American, Chinese and British - as well as different information stands from organisations including Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue Service and the Armed Forces.

Environment Agency staff will also be on hand to give visitors advice and guidance on what preparations they can make for flooding.

Programmes are available from Maidstone Town Hall and other council receptions, and on the day.

Mela is a Sanskrit word used to describe all sorts of community celebrations and festivals in the Asian subcontinent.

A long-standing tradition in South Asia, the Mela strengthens communities by bringing people together in a festival atmosphere where everyone can enjoy food, music and dance.