ORGANISERS of the Hyndburn Mela and Community Festival are celebrating after securing an £11,000 grant to put on this year's event.

The popular festival will take place on two days this year with the usual musical performances and festivities in Oakhill Park, Accrington, complemented by a special drumming event in the town centre.

The cash has been awarded from the National Lottery's Awards For All programme.

There will be a wide range of musical acts as well as a fun fair, arts and crafts, face and henna painting and multicultural food.

Last year more than 5,000 people attended the mela, and it is hoped even more will visit this year.

The main organisers are Hyndburn Council, Mid Pennine Arts and Lancashire Youth and Community service.

Organiser Gayle Knight, from Mid Pennine Arts, said: "The strength of the support locally and from national funders has meant that we are able to put on a wide variety of performers and activities." The main stage will be headlined by Bhangra act Aman Hayer, and another main performer is The Notorious Jatt, another Bhangra singer.

The two acts will be joined in the line-up by Wigan-based rockers Moco.

Also appearing on the main stage will be Metz n Trix, One Voice Choir, Remedy, Save The Day, and the Jill Fielding Band - in an eclectic set list that organisers hope will provide something for everyone's tastes.

Amran Ghoni, Hyndburn festival officer, said: "It's a fantastic line up - there's a real mix of music styles and plenty for the whole family to enjoy."

Hyndburn Mela and Community Festival is on Sunday, July 29, from 1pm to 7.30pm at Oakhill Park, Manchester Road.

On Saturday, July 28, the Drums Alive event will take place in Broadway from 1.30pm to 3pm.

More acts are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, visit www.hyndburnmelaand communityfestival.co.uk.