ASIAN culture, music and food were in plentiful supply at Huddersfield Mela yesterday.
The popular event in Greenhead Park saw thousands of people gather and enjoy one of the region's biggest outdoor parties.
Now in its 12th year, the mela attracts visitors from around Kirklees as well as the north of England.
Last year's sun-baked event pulled in a staggering 25,000 visitors. Organisers were hoping yesterday's extravaganza would be the biggest and best yet.
The afternoon began with a white horse carrying a rider through the park accompanied by wedding band Bombay Baja.
Music then rang around the venue until the evening.
While traditional tunes were performed on the main stage, other audiences were attracted to DJs and bands on a second stage. Party animals carried on the fun at the Rhythms in Indigo club until midnight.
Some of the biggest names in South Asian music were at the mela including Dalvinder Singh, who was voted best newcomer at the Asian Pop Awards four years ago.
Another star attraction was Bakhshi Javaid Salamat and his Qawwali group who count Peter Gabriel among their fans.
Bhangra and Bollywood beats got the crowds dancing as well as drummers Dhesi Vibes.
Listeners were treated to a diverse mix ranging from the Mighty Zulu Nation to folk singer Sarah Lawton, local Indie rockers Serotonin and soul sounds and rap bands.
Some of the performers also entertained visitors to the man-free-zone of the Women and Family Marquee.
Ben Perkins, 20, from Crosland Moor, was thoroughly enjoying himself.
Despite the chill there were many smiling faces as families soaked up the atmosphere.
"It's a great way for the whole of the Huddersfield community to get together," said Ben, a Peace Studies student at Bradford University.
"It's good to see a nice mix of people here."
A plethora of food stalls offered award-winning curries and other treats.
They were interspersed alongside henna tattooists, clothes shops, shoe and fabric sellers, jewellery stalls and trade stands.
A fair completed the fun.
