WARRINGTON'S cultural diversity will be showcased at an event featuring more than 30 nationalities on Sunday.

Mayor Cllr Les Morgan will lead a procession from the Town Hall at 11.30am before officially opening Warrington Mela, the seventh to date, at Palmyra Square in the town centre.

The street festival, which has been organised by Warrington Ethnic Communities Association (WECA) and its partners, will feature a range of multicultural entertainment including musicians and dancers.

WECA general secretary Moazzam Hussain is confident this year's event will be even 'bigger and better' than last year.

He said: "We have been promoting this event all over the north west and stall holders have been ringing me left, right and centre.

"There will be more than 30 different nationalities here – people from different cultures, faiths and communities.

"People are coming here to showcase a variety of stalls and entertainment, it will be an amazing day.

"Community cohesion is one of the most important things for us, along with breaking down the barriers.

"Also, with what is happening in the world at the moment, I have found that there is a lot of misunderstanding and hatred among communities about different faiths.

"We can't change the whole world but, at least in Warrington, if we can bring all the communities together and understand everyone's faith and culture I think we can make a good start in achieving peace in the world."

Representatives from Cheshire Police will also be on hand to discuss any issues or queries with residents during the day.

Inspector Neil Drum, from Warrington local policing unit, believes events such as the Mela are helping to build 'stronger neighbourhoods'.

He said: "We think this is a fantastic event to showcase the cultural diversity in Warrington and the wider area.

"It builds cohesion and helps people to understand the different communities that make up our town."

Cllr Tony Higgins, executive board member for leisure and community, will also be making his way to the festival.

He said: "The success of the Mela is further evidence that Warrington is a community of great diversity and riches – and for me that's a community I'm proud to be part of."