FAMILIES packed Palmyra Square to celebrate the town's cultural diversity at Warrington Mela on Sunday.

Mayor Cllr Faisal Rashid led a procession from the Town Hall shortly after 11.30am before officially opening the street festival, the sixth to date, at the town centre venue.

But aside from the range of food and entertainment on offer, residents also got the chance to attend lectures on culture and mental health.

The event was organised by Warrington Ethnic Communities Association (WECA) and its partners and those involved are already looking ahead to next year after reaffirming the importance of bringing communities together.

WECA general secretary Moazzam Hussain said: "We are here to learn and share our diverse culture so that we can remove any misconceptions about each other in order to break down any social barriers and build up social cohesion and make Warrington an even better place to live.

"It is important for us to stick together and make everyone feel part of the town, now more than ever due to the surprise Brexit.

"This year we also decided to approach Warrington Wolves in order to attract fans and supporters to come and enjoy our cultural event, and for our diverse community to go and enjoy the fantastic game of rugby, in order to further help break down barriers and build cohesion."

Bank Park and Victoria Park have been earmarked as potential sites for next year's event to cope with the demand.

Cllr Rashid (LAB – Chapelford and Old Hall) was joined by mayoress Aleeza at the festival and admitted he was thrilled with the public's response.

He said: "It is definitely raising the profile for Warrington. I am pleased to see so many people here, one of my biggest focuses in the role is to bring communities together.

"Opening it as Mayor is one of the best things that has happened to me – I never thought I would do that.

"I have always supported this and it is great to see it getting bigger. The procession is also getting bigger and longer – next year I suggest the Mayor puts on their trainers."

Sagheer Zaman, from WECA, labelled the turnout as 'brilliant'.

"It is great to see people of all ages come out like this – we are confident it will get bigger and better," he added.

"More people are coming each year but from areas across the country, not just Warrington."