A free celebration of music, food and dance from around the world comes to a Kent town this weekend.

Whatman Park in Maidstone will be home to the Maidstone Community Mela on Sunday, July 14.

The cultural celebration, which was founded by the former Mayor of Maidstone, Morel D'Souza in 2003, will feature diverse acts on and off stage throughout the day as well as workshops and food from around the world.

Organised by Kent Equality Cohesion Council, the Maidstone Cultural Community Group and Cohesion Plus, with help from local groups, it will run from 12.30pm to 6pm.

Folk band Ukelear Fallout, rapper Bando Black, Phase 5 Steel Band and the Chinese Dancing Lions will be performing as well as local bands and the Maidstone Nepalese Community Group, the Maidstone Malayalee Group and Kitka Bulgarian Folk Dance.

Folkin Fusion Drumming Collective, the Four by Four Bhangra, Bill Singh and Lucky Moyo will take to the stage, and headlining will be the Kings of Motown, performing Motown classics.

Off stage there will be a World in a Tent featuring Nepalese and Roma culture and heritage, free creative arts workshops, and for the first time a prosecco and beer bar.

Mela producer Gurvinder Sandher said: “The Maidstone Community Mela is a much loved event and has stood the test of time despite funding and venue concerns. However, we have been unwavering in our commitment to making sure the Mela comes back to Maidstone once again.

"The Mela is our longest running event and to me it is about bringing the communities of the borough together, celebrating our shared values and the positive community relations we enjoy. I am excited for everyone to see what we have planned this year on and off stage."

To find out more go to maidstonemela.com

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