THOUSANDS of Swindon residents flocked to Old Town Gardens to take in the sights, sounds and smells of this year's Mela.

The event kicked off in sunshine at midday on Saturday with the traditional cutting of the Mela cake, and spirits rose from there alongside the temperature.

Earlier in the week, event organisers had feared they would be forced to cancel the fifth annual Mela because of the recent weather.

Visitors to the event could not escape the scent of cooking spices floating through the warm air, or the hypnotic sound of a variety of Asian music - some traditional, some more modern.

Among some of the new attractions for this year's Mela was Nellie the mechanical elephant who paraded around the gardens during her first ever trip to Swindon, much to the delight of many visitors.

Dancers from Swindon, as well as the rest of the country, entertained revellers on the various stages with displays of Gujarati Garbo folk dance, Keralan and Nepalese dance, as well as Western fusions such as Bollywood aerobics.

The Swindon Mela is the biggest event of its kind in the south west and attracts more than 10,000 people each year.

Regular Mela-goer Ranvir Puri was at the event with his fiancée and their relatives making last minute purchases for their wedding, as well as getting to know each other's families.

He said: "My partner needed some Indian decorations, and to speak to henna tattooists and also to speak to Indian dancers to hopefully attend the wedding as well."

Malkit Bhui, wife of Mela committee member and Showcase Stage compere Jasper Singh Bhui, said that the organisers were relieved the weather had turned for the event.

She said Bhangra band DCS on the Bowl Stage had been a highlight of the day.

"They were fantastic with the crowd," she said.

"And I have got to say my husband on the community stage - I've got to say he's good as well.

"Each year the calibre of the local acts is higher and higher.

"It's fantastic that so many young children are taking part."

In spite of their hangovers, Guy Sturla and Paul O'Connell carried on the celebrations from a wedding the previous night by tucking into curries and Indian beers.

Guy said: "This is my third time here, and it's fantastic as it seems busier than it has been the last two years."