Mela bosses agonised for days over cancellation

Middlesbrough's Mela has been running for more than 30 years

Organisers of a multi-cultural festival deliberated for days before postponing the event in the wake of nationwide riots, its director said.

Middlesbrough Mela was due to take place this weekend but was called off after "scenes of deplorable violence and criminality" in the town and further afield.

Director Kash Patel said: "We just couldn't take the risk of going ahead so soon after the unrest."

He said he is working to bring back the Mela, but the priority is to "galvanise and rebuild a stronger, united community".

Earlier this month, anti-immigration rioters in Middlesbrough burned cars, damaged properties, smashed windows at the local courts and hurled bins and bricks at police.

Mr Patel said the subsequent decision to postpone the Mela, which was expected to attract more than 50,000 people, was not an easy one.

"On the one hand we wanted to stand in solidarity to show we wouldn't let such actions cause disruption, yet on the other public safety was paramount," he said.

Organisers have been "overwhelmed" with supportive messages and calls to rearrange the festival since announcing the cancellation.

Mr Patel said he plans to announce a new date soon and hopes to consult with police, politicians and policy makers to discuss how to encourage more social cohesion at future events.

"I am committed to bringing back Mela bigger and better than ever before," he added.

"Its social, political and economic impact on the region is greater than it has ever been in its 34 year history and now is the time to celebrate and highlight that collectively through community."