HUNDREDS turned out for Warrington Mela as the town's cultural diversity was showcased during a day of entertainment.

Mayor Cllr Les Morgan led a procession from the Town Hall just before noon yesterday, Sunday, before officially opening the street festival, the seventh to date, at Palmyra Square in the town centre.

The event was organised by Warrington Ethnic Communities Association (WECA) and its partners.

It featured more than 30 nationalities and a range of multicultural entertainment, including dancers Desi Nach and SonAash.

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WECA general secretary Moazzam Hussain said the months of hard work to organise the event had all been worth it.

He added: "It is very important to bring communities together to understand the different cultures and faiths like we have done today.

"I am thrilled with the turnout. The word has really been getting around across the north west as it is such a nice, friendly, family-oriented event.

"But we have so much more work to do to raise awareness about the different communities in society.

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"There is so much more we need to learn from each other, so we can have a better society to live in.

"It is really important that this sort of event takes place in every town and city.

"We have to continue working hard and raising awareness."

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Cllr Tony Higgins, executive board member for leisure and community, was among those in attendance.

He said: "To see so many cultures together in one area is great – it shows just how much diversity we have in Warrington.

"Without WECA this event would not happen, I want to thank them for bringing this event together.

"WECA has been instrumental on a number of initiatives – to give one example, in retaining the cricket pitch at Chapelford.

"Without WECA's support that would have been lost.

"I want to thank WECA and Moazzam Hussain in particular for their efforts in retaining that much-needed sporting site."

Cllr Morgan said he was 'overwhelmed' with the public's response to the festival.

He added: "There are so many different people from different cultures here today.

"We are a multicultural society and this is what it is all about.

"We should be getting together, not fighting.

"Everyone has been enjoying it today."

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