PREDICTABLY the weather was fine on Sunday as Preston's first indoor Mela finally got under way after the event was rained off in August.

A carnival atmosphere filled the city's Guild Hall as revellers came from far and wide to enjoy a celebration of South Asian culture and traditions.

Now in its sixth year the popular Mela saw performances from top artists as folk enjoyed the festivities from 2-10pm.

Preston Mayor, councillor Jonathan Saksena, said: "I'm delighted we were able to reschedule it. It's Preston's key festival. It's a chance to celebrate Preston's diverse cultures and it lights up the city with a sea of sound and colour."

The Gujarat Hindu Society opened the event with a welcome dance, followed by a speech by the mayor. Models paraded in Asian fashions, before dance and music filled the rafters, with a finale by traditional bhangra band, The Sahotas.

Workshops also took place including kite-making and Rangoli, an art that uses traditional spices to make pictures.