This year’s Middlesbrough Mela is being postponed after recent heavy rain has left Albert Park waterlogged.

The decision to delay this year’s event was taken by Middlesbrough Council, working alongside the Mela organising committee, following an inspection of the park’s grounds on Monday (August 7).

It is hoped the popular event will now take place over the weekend of Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10.

The two-day multicultural festival brings thousands of visitors to the town every year for a free family festival featuring music, food and international markets.

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Persistent heavy rain has left much of Albert Park waterlogged and in too poor a condition for the infrastructure of the festival to safely be put in place, with further heavy rain possible over the coming days. Protection of the public is paramount.

Organisers of other large events in the North East have taken similar difficult decisions based on the amount of wet weather in recent weeks.

Kash Patel, chair of the Mela organising committee, said: “Unfortunately following the latest inspection of Albert Park the ground is simply not in a good enough condition for us to hold the event safely.

“We’re now pulling out all the stops to move this year’s event to next month when people can look forward to a wonderful feast of food, culture and entertainment.”

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Cllr Philippa Storey, Middlesbrough Deputy Mayor and Executive member for culture said: “The Mela is undoubtedly one of Middlesbrough’s biggest and boldest events, but the appalling weather we’ve endured lately means it simply wouldn’t be safe to hold it in Albert Park this weekend as planned.

“The date may be different, but we’re confident that a rescheduled Mela will be one to remember for all the right reasons.”