CROWDS flocked to Bolton's third Asian cultural festival - despite an early downpour.

And organisers hailed this year's Mela festival as one of the best and most well attended to date, claiming cultures across Bolton were brought closer together.

Bad weather had threatened to put a dampener on proceedings but the sun eventually came out - and so did the crowds.

Chairman of the Bolton Mela Group, Aaquil Ahmed said: "Everyone enjoyed themselves and had a great time looking around the many different stalls and listening to the cultural bands - it helped bring Bolton together."

A Mela is an Asian arts festival - and this year's festival saw more involvement from schools and community groups than ever before.

Asian musicians, dancers and folk singers - including top Punjabi bangra band Anakhi - wowed the crowds from the main stage.

Football

Sport lovers enjoyed Kabadi demonstrations and a five-a-side football tournament.

Specialist food stalls offered a taste of traditional Asian foods.

Blackrod resident Carol Sweeney said: "I think it is fantastic. The different cultures on display has been a real learning curve and everyone has had a great day."

Ged Thomas, a youth worker from Bolton, added: "Considering the state of the weather there has been a great atmosphere. There was plenty on show and people seem to be attending the workshops and learning."

Children turned their hands to kite-making and mural designs before sitting back to enjoy a performance by the colourful Bolton-based Pulse Community Street Band, followed by a dance display from North West Asian Arts.

Top of the bill however was leading band Anakhi with DJ Manu Mistry presiding over the whole event from the stage.

Mr Ahmed added: "There has been more attractions and much more focus than ever before in this festival and it has been a success."