I WRITE regarding the Blackburn Mela Festival. Each year I plan to visit my relatives in Blackburn to fit in with the schedule of the Mela.

I am a regular attendee, along with my four children and friends.

Blackburn Mela has always been a highlight for my family, as it provides a lovely family atmosphere.

The acts it provided were far superior to Birmingham's event.

However, this year's event was a total non-starter and waste of a visit for me and many others I met.

It felt flat, with only two caterers, a meagre 12 trading stalls and a music line-up that was just as flat (except for the Richie Rich Project that we all loved).

After 20 minutes we were bored as there was nothing to do as the acts were mainly Punjabi.

It was too lightweight.

The park was an empty space and we felt that we had come to a totally different event.

This was reflected in the meagre numbers that attended.

I could see many people who attended just leave after a while.

Please Blackburn, get a hold on the Mela. If it continues in the same vein as this year, then I think it will be heading for a bad fall.

It was embarrassing. I cannot express how sad and disappointed the whole family were. Sort it out.

It was one of the best Melas in the country, but this year left a big black mark on my mind. What is up?

PARVEEN AKHTAR, Hamilton Road, Handsworth, Birmingham.