A BHANGRA star and an Asian R’n’B singer-songwriter have been signed up to perform at an annual multi-cultural festival.

One of the largest events of its kind in the North-East, the Middlesbrough Mela on June 7 and 8 attracts thousands of visitors for its live music, foods, craft and fashion stalls.

It is also the only mela in the UK to dedicate a full day to sports and healthy living.

Seven hours of music acts have been confirmed for the second day in the the town’s Centre Square including Bhangra producer PBN (Punjabi By Nature) who will give renditions of hits Aashiq, Kaun Nachdi and Go Crazy.

Acts also booked include Asian R’n’B singer-songwriter Aman Any and the Bollywood Belles.

Zoe Lewis, Principal and Chief Executive for the Middlesbrough College which is sponsoring the event, said: “As the college prides itself on being very much at the heart of the local community, this is a great opportunity to celebrate our own commitment to multi-culturalism.”

The event is organised by Middlesbrough Council in conjunction with a steering group comprising members of the local community.

Mela Committee Chairman Councillor Naveed Hussain added: “About 60 per cent of our visitors are usually of Asian origin but the Mela is renowned for bringing together a wide cross-section of society and we aim to attract record crowds again this year.”

To book a stall visit www.boromela.co.uk