A RECORD-breaking 35,000 festival-goers enjoyed Glasgow's celebration of diversity at the Mela.
Families of every age and ethnicity enjoyed two days of eclectic music, dance routines and interactive street performance from across the Commonwealth at the O2 Glasgow Mela in Kelvingrove Park.
Organisers Glasgow Life put on a line-up of international performers on three stages based on the traditions of the Indian sub-continent, and crowds turned out in droves to watch.
Bhangra singing sensation Sona Walia last night delighted fans of modern Bollywood, RnB and pop, as well as devotees of traditional Punjabi and Gujarati style during a showcase finale.
Earlier the legendary Johnny Kalsi set the tempo for the day with his live band The Dhol Foundation. Mr Kalsi said: "That was a blast, this is my first ever Mela and I'm glad it was in Glasgow.
"There were people dancing everywhere you looked – I hear the Mela is going to be even bigger next year. We'd love to come back and perform again then."
Councillor Soryia Siddique, chairwoman of the Glasgow Mela steering group, said: "In its 23rd year the O2 Glasgow Mela continues to be the brightest and best festival to showcase Scotland's multi-cultural talents.
"A record-breaking crowd joined us for a fabulous weekend of free entertainment by exceptional artists from around the world. "The park was awash with colour and pulsating to the incredible beats that emanated from all three stages."
Glasgow Mela once again partnered with Forestry Commission Scotland to develop a Kid's Zone. Programmed by Glasgow based artists Nikki Pardasani and Maryam Imran, the revamped area offered a wealth of woodland themed activities to tempt children to get creative in the park.
Romena Huq, from Forestry Commission Scotland, said: "We were happy to sponsor the Kids Zone again this year, and hope the many families who visited the area enjoyed taking part in the activities and learnt a bit about local wildlife and woodland in the process."
Since its launch during Glasgow's 1990 European City of Culture celebrations, the O2 Glasgow Mela has grown over the years to become the leading festival of its kind in the country.
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