A TOWN is preparing to host one of the North-East's largest and most spectacular multi-cultural events.

The Middlesbrough Mela, which attracts more than 20,000 visitors, is on Sunday, from noon, at Albert Park.

Organised by Middlesbrough Council and the Mela Steering Group, the free event includes craft and fashion bazaars, food stalls, children's rides, workshops, music and dancing.

Youngsters will be able to try their hand at making Hawaiian kites, wacky windsocks, collages and badges in the Percy Workshop, while Adrian Moule will show them how to decorate the entrances to their homes in traditional Rangola style.

A full programme of musical entertainment is planned, and will be led by the Godfather of Bhangra, Alaap, whose top albums and number one hits have made him a firm favourite with crowds.

Other performers will include Mona, folk singer Rahim Shah, the Navrang Arts Folk Dancers, Heera Dancers and the Middlesbrough singer/ songwriter Richard Grainger.

A fringe event will take place at Middlesbrough Art Gallery, from 11am-2pm, at which an English-Urdu anthology of poetry and prose will be launched.

For the first time, there will be an official after-Mela party at the Millennium nightclub at Teesside Leisure Park.

For more information, ring Christine Harforth on (01642) 515604.