Maidstone Community Mela is a fusion of cultures and communities, all served up in a colourful display of diversity.

Packed with music, dance, comedy and plenty of culinary tempters, the event was launched in Mote Park back in 2002.

The Mela aims to help towards building a better understanding between local communities and to celebrate the county town’s diversity.

Traditionally held in September, this year's event will move both its venue and date.

Last year for the first time it relocated to the town centre, and was held in Jubilee Square, in a bid to reach more people.

This year the Maidstone Mela moves across the bridge to the other side of the River Medway and will be held at a new venue, Whatman Park.

The line-up includes onstage performances by the Emeralds Steel Band, Reel Eire Irish Dancing, Kitka Bulgarian Folk, Maidstone Nepalese Community, Four by Four Bhangra, Ed Sheeran tribute act Jack Shepherd and global Bhangra superstar Jassi Sidhu.

Offstage there will be activities from drumming workshops and face painting to visual creative arts workshops and a range of food from around the world.

Gurvinder Sandher, artistic director of Cohesion Plus, which is organising this year’s event, said it had been a challenge to get the Mela together, as Maidstone council is no longer involved in funding the event.

EVENT DETAILS

The Maidstone Mela will be held at Whatman Park on Sunday, July 16, between 12.30pm and 6pm.

The event is organised by Cohesion Plus, Kent Equality Cohesion Council and Arts Council England.

For more details and the full line-up go to maidstonemela.com