A MUSICAL event celebrating South Asian music and culture set to take place this weekend has been postponed.

The Mela Dhamaka was due to be on Saturday at the Old Town Bowl, but will be moved to another date not yet set, despite several hundred tickets being sold.

The event had been organised as a replacement for the annual Mela Festival which was cancelled this year.

It was due to feature a number of top performers from the Asian music scene, including SK1 who have performed all around the world and Sona Walia, a dancer recognised by parliament for the promotion of Punjabi culture.

A statement released on Wednesday from the Mela group said: “We are sad to announce that the Summer Dhamaka, scheduled for this Saturday has been postponed due to circumstances beyond our control.”

It said a new date would be given shortly and in the meantime it has directed people to its website info@swindonmela.com for people to keep informed.

Chairman of the Mela Jaspal Bhui said: “Something came up at the last minute which meant we had no choice but to postpone it. It’s really upsetting because tickets were selling really well.

“What I can say is we are looking at an alternative and it will definitely go ahead at either the end of August or in September but it will not be cancelled. Hopefully it will be at the Old Town Bowl but if that is booked then we can look at moving it indoors.

“The acts have been very good and supportive. Hopefully they will be there at the re-organised event but we may have to make one change. We apologise to anyone who has bought tickets and we are offering a refund or it will be valid when the event is re-organised.”

The Mela is normally held every year to celebrate South Asian culture, but due to lack of funds it was cancelled earlier this year.

It was hoped that a number of smaller events such as the Mela Dhamaka would help to raise cash and allow it to be held next year.

In 2013 the event was held later than originally planned, which Jaspal said meant a reduction in income.

Speaking in June he said the event had had to be delayed and it had cost in terms of income reserves because turnout was low and some of the stall-holders dropped out.

The exact reason for the postponement is unknown as Jaspal could not be contacted, but it is believed all was in order with the council.

The Old Town Bowl was booked and the licensing team was working with the event organisers on health and safety procedures.