An event celebrating a diverse showcase of music, dance and cuisine returned for a 16th year.

Thousands of residents turned out at Calverley Grounds in Tunbridge Wells for the annual community festival.

The free event hosted by Cohesion Plus and Kent Equality Cohesion Council took place on Sunday afternoon.

Attendees enjoyed performances from a Ukrainian Choir, drum group, Kings of Dhol, and Motown singers, Midnight Soul Sisters.

There were also dance performances by South-Asian group, The West Kent Keralites, off-stage street acts, and musical workshops for children.

A range of food and drink from around the world was also on offer.

Creative director of Cohesion Plus, Gurvinder Sandher, said: “What can I say other than a huge thank you to every single one of the local residents who turn up every year be it in blazing sunshine or torrential downpours.

“Thankfully the weather was good to us this year and we were able to showcase an excellent artistic programme both on and off-stage which was amazing.”

The festival was supported by Arts Council England and Royal Tunbridge Wells Together.

Deputy Lieutenant Georgie Warner and the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells Cllr Hugh Patterson were also present.

“Each year we aim to get bigger and better but none of it means anything if we don’t have the buy in from local residents and businesses,” said Gurvinder.

“We are really grateful to Tunbridge Wells for always embracing the Mela Festival and highlighting exactly why the arts and cultural diversity contribute so immensely to society as a whole.

“We look forward to coming back next year to do it all again.”