POP star Raghav has been confirmed as playing at the Swindon Mela this year.

Raghav has several top ten hits under his belt including Angel Eyes, which crashed into the charts in February and also saw him appear on Top of the Pops.

This year's Mela had been under threat before Intel stepped in with money, and now extra cash has been supplied by the Swindon Cultural Partnership.

This means that the organisers have been able to book musicians and other entertainers, with Raghav's English and Hindi blend of R&B, Bollywood and rap taking top billing.

Also appearing will be Pakistani folk singer Arif Lohar and Sukhshinder Shinda, one of the biggest names in world-wide Bhangra.

Mela chairwoman Rizvana Sheikh said: "We have an amazing line up of stars for this year's event. Raghav is a real coup for us. Mela goers are in for a real treat this year!

"We are also really pleased about the grant from the Swindon Cultural Partnership. The Mela is a real asset for Swindon and brings prestige to the town."

Sarah Dawnay, manager of the Swindon Cultural Partnership, said: "We are delighted that we could support Intel's sponsorship of the Mela through our Investing in Festivals initiative. As the Mela grows from strength to strength, we hope that this investment will further enable them to work with Intel and make sustainable plans for a very bright future."

As well as the big names in music, there will be talent displayed on the Showcase Stage, including an Asian fashion show, Sikh martial arts, Bollywood, Bhangra and hip hop dance, plus dance workshops.

The newly refurbished bandstand will see Asli Bahran, Punjab Diyan and Indian brass band, plus Mela favourites, Bombay Baja, perform folk dances from the Punjab.

Justin Tomlinson, cabinet member for leisure, culture and recreation said: "Thanks to the hard work of the Mela committee and the support of local sponsors, this year's Mela is set to be even bigger and better than last year's successful event. It is truly an excellent opportunity for all communities to come together to celebrate Asian culture. The event is also a major tourist and economic boost for the town."

The Mela is on Saturday, July 29 from midday to 7pm in the Old Town Gardens.