COMMUNITIES across East Lancashire united for what has been labelled one of the North West's top events.

Thousands of people flocked to Corporation Park in Blackburn over the weekend for the second Mela festival in the town. More than 30,000 visitors attended the event, 10,000 up on what organisers expected the festival to attract.

Even the scattered summer showers were not enough to put a dampener on the cultural event which saw a star-studded line-up of Asian bands and other attractions, including Birmingham trio B21, Blackburn's own Dostana and Stereo Nation, whose debut album 'Hit the Deck' stormed the UK Asian pop charts and topped them for 36 weeks.

Other features included a bridal and evening wear fashion show, provided by Poshaak of Whalley Range, a karate demonstration, drama performed by the Chanan Theatre Company and the Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwal party.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue were also on hand, providing entertainment for youngsters who could try on firemen's outfits and save a teddy bear from a tent.

Naushad Surve, chairman of the festival's organising committee, said she was delighted with the event and could not have hoped for a better turn out.

She said: "It was absolutely packed and much bigger and better than we could have ever imagined. It was unbelievable.

"Everyone had a fantastic time. It was a truly cultural event and it was great to see all the communities mingling together. "There were all kinds of people including English, Indians and Pakistanis, and all the age groups from toddlers to pensioners. Mostly it was a day for families and I was especially pleased to see so many of them.

"The event is really going to help people in the town towards building relationships and creating community spirit.

"The worst thing is people's ignorance and this event will help get rid of it by the different races mixing with each other and having a good time.

"Music and art are two of the things which are certain to unite people as everyone has access to them. They provide an opportunity to integrate as everyone has access to them."

But despite the impressive turn-out, Naushad said the event was not quite on the same scale as other Melas up and down the country.

She added: "We could never get the kind of crowds like Bradford and Manchester because we do not have a site big enough in Blackburn. But in terms of quality we are definitely up there with the best."

Councillor Ashley Whalley, executive member of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's regeneration committee, who helped to sponsor and organise the event, said: "Like Arts in the Park and the August bank holiday festival we keep growing with these kind of events.

"In the not too distant future they will be among the very best of festivals and such like to be held in the north west of England in the summer months.

"This is only the second Mela to be held in Blackburn and it must be one of the best in Britain. The music line up is as good as you will get anywhere in the country."

Councillor Kate Hollern, deputy leader of the council, said: "It was absolutely wonderful and great to see so many different communities. It really has made for a truly multi-cultural event."