IT has been a tense few months for the organisers and supporters of the Swindon Mela.

But with the announcement that Old Town-based company Intel is to help sponsor the event, organisers have said this year's festival is set to be the biggest and best mela ever.

The nightmare began in February after NatWest, the main sponsor of the festival pulled out leaving a £20,000 shortfall.

It sparked an Adver-backed campaign to Save Our Summer Festival.

And after months of hard work organisers have been able to plug the financial gap.

David Barrand, business development manager at Intel UK, said: "The local community in Swindon supports the Swindon Mela wholeheartedly.

"As part of that local community, we are very proud to be able to support the festival this year."

Other sponsors of the event include the Army and the Wiltshire Constabulary.

Every year the event, which is now in its fourth year, attracts a whole host of stars.

Among those appearing at this year's Mela are Jazzy B, Pakistani singing star Arif Lohar and Indian brass band, and mela favourites, Bombay Baja.

Rizvana Sheikh, chairwoman of the mela, said: "We are delighted that this year's mela will go ahead as planned.

"Several local organisations and businesses saw the potential of being involved with the nationally acclaimed Swindon Mela and we are very pleased to have them aboard.

"This year's event promises to be the best yet with a strong line up of international stars, a huge wealth of local talent, as well as many other attractions."

As well as the entertainment, visitors will be able to try a variety of Indian food, stroll around stalls selling everything from jewellery and clothes to musical instruments or watch the fashion show.

Coun Justin Tomlinson, cabinet member for leisure, culture and recreation, said: "Thanks to the support of local and regional sponsors, we are thrilled to be hosting Swindon' s fourth mela.

"This is an important event in Swindon's cultural calendar as it provides the perfect opportunity for all communities to come together to celebrate Asian arts and culture.

"Members of the mela organisation are working hard to bring together the many elements of the festival and we are looking forward to an event that will be bigger and better than ever."

The 2006 Swindon Mela is being held on Saturday, July 29, in Old Town Gardens.