HUNDREDS of residents gathered in the town centre on Sunday to celebrate the biggest Warrington Mela to date.

Now in its fifth year, the cultural festival recognised the diversity and community cohesion among various faiths across the town.

Deputy mayor Cllr Faisal Rashid (LAB – Whittle Hall) opened the event, which was organised by Warrington Ethnic Communities Association and partners, outside the Town Hall before the procession took to Palmyra Square to enjoy a host of activities.

This year's Mela celebrated Warrington's array of cultures and nationalities from Asia, to Africa, to Europe and consisted of events ranging from Bollywood music to Polish and Russian dancing.

A selection of culinary delights from across the globe were also on offer at the food stalls.

But it was the 'complete togetherness' of those in attendance which pleased Cllr Rashid the most.

He believes the interest will only increase and is tipping the festival for success for decades to come.

"It was just brilliant – I have been attending since it started and to open it was an absolute privilege," he said.

"It is growing each year and it brought people together from all over England.

"By bringing the communities together it makes the town a better place to live and will make more people want to live here, it will have a knock-on effect.

"I want to continue help reaching all of the communities that we can, not just ethnic communities – it is important to get everyone involved."

Cllr Rashid also hailed volunteers for their work behind the scenes to help put on the event.

"The volunteers are the true champions of the community – they are setting an example for the next generation and it gives them encouragement," he added.

Council leader Terry O'Neill also joined the community groups at the Mela.

He believes the level of interaction between communities and different faith groups is continuing to strengthen diversification in the town.

"I have always believed in getting people to understand your heritage and where you have come from," he said.

"Part of understanding the town's heritage has to be to understand more about different groups.

"We have a very good working relation in Warrington with the different ethnic communities, which is excellent – we are a diverse, vibrant town."