‘YOU'LL find artists from countries from Pakistan to Poland, Mongolian food, graffiti art, a Zulu choir, a children's health camp and a belly-dancing workshop. It could only be this year's Bradford Mela.’

So reported the Telegraph & Argus in a 2004 report on the popular event, which was held at several venues over the years including Lister Park and Bowling Park, eventually settling in Peel Park.

"We've got exciting new and world famous artists, the reintroduction of a sports area, and an increasingly diverse line-up, all showing how the Bradford Mela is evolving with the times. Although music and dance always play a large part, it's far more than just a music festival; other attractions include traditional Indian sports and a children's health camp,” said a spokesman at the time.

The internationally renowned event was the oldest, largest and most diverse event of its kind in the country.

The first Bradford Mela was in 1988 as a celebration of South Asian culture. It was held in fields at the back of the University of Bradford.

After 1988 the Mela was held in Lister Park until 1997, except for 1994 when it was held in Bowling Park. From 1998 to 2012 the Mela was held in Peel Park except for 2007 and 2012 when it was cancelled due to bad weather leading to unsuitable ground conditions.

The Mela used to take place over two days on a weekend and regularly attracted more than 100,000 people.

After the 2012 Mela was cancelled due to heavy rainfall, the event was incorporated into the annual Bradford Festival.

Mela, from the Sanskrit word meaning 'to meet', is one of the most colourful and exuberant traditions originating from the Indian subcontinent. It's a celebration of art and culture, a festival of sights, sounds, smells and taste, with bazaars, folk troupes, dance and music.

Mela festivals are centuries old in the regions of South Asia, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.