Nick Tarver samples a melee of Asian delights at the Mela from fashion to Indian curry and bhangra.

AFTER financial setback and then comeback the fourth Swindon Mela exceeded all expectations.

The colourful event, which attracted people from different communities within Swindon, proved to be popular with the thousands who attended.

The crowds delighted in the Asian food, music, dance and fashion that were on offer.

The future of the Swindon Mela was jeopardised earlier in the year when Natwest pulled out of sponsoring the event, leaving a £20,000 shortfall.

Fortunately Intel and the Swindon Cultural Partner-ship stepped in to provide the extra funding needed Mela festivals are held all over the country but BBC Points West weatherman and Swindon resident, Richard Angwin, believes the Swindon version to be the best.

"I have been to many Melas but Swindon's is the best in the country," he said.

"It's well organised, held in a fantastic setting and is just one of those events that brings people together."

His views were echoed by the Mayor of Swindon, Mike Bawden.

"It is one of the main events on the Swindon calendar and underlines the multicultural nature of Swindon," he said.

The event attracted some of the biggest names in Asian music, including pop star Raghav, who has had several top 10 hits with his blend of R&B, Bollywood and rap with English and Hindi lyrics.

Other big names included Bhangra superstars Jazzy B and Sukhshinder Shinda, and the Pakistani folk singer Arif Lohar.

The entertainment opened with the popular Swindon-based drum group the Dholies, and then continued throughout the day.

Dance groups performed various South Asian routines including Bollywood, Bhangra and traditional Goan dance.

There was also a fashion show displaying traditional and contemporary South Asian fashion, and different market stalls selling various Asian goods.

Festival co-ordinator, Liz Lavender, said the event is extremely important to Swindon.

"It mixes so many cultures. You just have to look at the crowd to see that it attracts people of all ages," she said.

Spal Patel, 42, from Peatmoor enjoyed the event but had one word of caution.

"I've been to the Mela a couple of times before and I have always enjoyed it. The only problem is the parking," he said.

This view was echoed by many who attended, who felt that the event might just be too popular for its location in the Town Gardens, Old Town. Simon Bridewell, 31, from West Swindon, is a regular at the event.

"I come here every year. It's the high spot of Swindon's social calendar," he said.

"But it gets busier every year and I think that it has outgrown this site.

"The event is extremely important to Swindon as it gives everybody a flavour of Asian culture."

Like Mr Bridewell, many of those who attended on Saturday came last year, including Angel Lopes, 36, from Walcot who loved the fashion show and dancing.

"I enjoyed it very much last year so I decided to come again."