Organisers of the upcoming Bradford Mela have promised this year’s event will be as exciting and enjoyable as ever – despite being reduced from two days to one.

Budget cuts mean Bradford Council has had to scale back the popular free festival, which features comedy, music and dance acts from across the globe.

Tony Stephens, Bradford Council’s assistant director for cultural services, said: “The Mela brings visitors to Bradford which supports the local economy as well as providing an enjoyable event for local people.

“The need for the Council to make significant spending cuts means that this year we have been unable to provide the same level of financial support to the event as has been the case in the past. The Mela will therefore take place over one day, helping the Council to save £77,000.

“It will still be a highly enjoyable and quality event, attracting brilliant performers and providing plenty of fun and activities for all ages. There will also be lots of stalls selling food and gifts, with groups providing information on all the good work they do out in the community.”

The family-orientated festival will take place in Bradford’s Peel Park on Sunday. It will open earlier than last year at 10am to fit in more performances and give visitors the chance to browse the stalls. Children’s activities, including storytelling, crafts and costume-making workshops, will take place throughout the day. There will also be a chance to enjoy interactive sports and dance routines.

The music and dance performances will take place on two main stages and in marquees around the park. Visitors can enjoy Polish dancers, Pakistani qawwali singers, breakdancers, and the best in Bhangra and Bollywood. One of the highlights will be a performance by Bhangra group DCS – a well established British-Asian band with a worldwide reputation for live performance.

  • Read the full story in Tuesday's T&A