THE fifth Blackburn Mela proved to be the biggest yet and organisers promised it will be even more spectacular next year following its relocation to Witton Park.

Like Arts in the Park the previous week, the Mela had been moved from Corporation Park to provide more space.

And it was needed as thousands of people descended on the park for a weekend of music and celebration of Asian culture.

Early on Saturday it looked as though the rain might put a damper on the festivities but by the afternoon the sun came out as the park began to fill up.

Hundreds gathered in front of the main stage on Saturday to watch artists such as the Bombay Baja, one of Europe's first Indian brass bands.

Other acts included Gubru Punjab, rapper Shamir Ahmed and singer JKD.

But on Sunday the crowds were bigger, reflecting the younger, more popular acts on stage.

International artist and headliner Shehzad Roy got the biggest reception of the weekend when he got the crowds moving by performing hits from his four albums -- Zindagi, Darsham, Teri Soorat and Rab Janey.

The 26-year-old, born in Karachi, had his first hit aged 16 and his distinctive sound proved popular with fans.

Earlier in the day Canadian artist Raghav, Bollywood band Revive, Mela stalwart Silinder Pardesi and Hunterz performed on stage warming up the crowds before the headline act.

Khorla Dar, of Johnson Street, was at the Mela with her family.

She said: "We have just got here and I can't believe how many people there are.

"We are looking forward to hearing some good music."

Ifitikhar Hussein, who came with friends from Manchester, said: "I love the music.

"It's really good to dance and sing to.

"I can't wait to see Shehzad on stage."

But it wasn't just the music that made Blackburn's fifth Mela a success.

Scores of stalls pitched together formed a bazaar, selling Asian jewellery, fashion, fabrics and authentic Asian food.

There was a mountaineering wall and funfair for the youngsters and the Mela's newest attraction the media zone, where BBC Asian Word and BBC Radio Lancashire were on hand to demonstrate and give tips on radio production.

Folk even tried their hand at DJing and singing in the zone, which was sponsored by Blackburn College.

Popular Asian sport Kabadi also drew in the crowds as the Blackburn Kabadi team competed against a team from Birmingham.