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GALLERY: Thousands flock to Christchurch Park for Indian Summer Mela
The annual Indian Summer Mela took place this Sunday, with thousands flocking to Christchurch Park. Pictured: Freddie and Ben Whiting. - Credit: Ella Wilkinson
Ipswich was bursting with colour as thousands of people flocked to Christchurch Park to celebrate Indian culture.
The Indian Summer Mela, meaning fair, has been a staple part of Ipswich’s social calendar for many years.
It returned once again this Sunday to bring together people from all different cultures.
(L-R) Biren Patnaik, Prabhas Patra, Swagatika Das and Shayena Patra enjoying themselves at the Indian Summer Mela at Christchurch Park - Credit: Ella Wilkinson
A Bollywood dancer performing at the Ipswich Summer Mela at Christchurch Park - Credit: Ella Wilkinson
A father and his daughter playing on the hook-a-duck at Christchurch Park Indian Summer Mela - Credit: Ella Wilkinson
The day included live entertainment, Bollywood music, spectacular dance performances, a vibrant market and a mouth-watering Indian food village.
The day was organised by the Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association, and Chair Shilpa Surana said the day had been a resounding success.
She said: “The day has been fabulous. Loads of people, and lovely weather.
“So many people have been getting involved, and have been slowly making their way towards the stage.
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"The canopy was completely filled with people and stallholders.
“This was exactly what we wanted!”
Ashlee and Kacy Jordan at the Indian Summer Mela at Christchurch Park - Credit: Ella Wilkinson
Mayor John Cook enjoyed learning about and taking part in Indian culture. - Credit: Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association / Shilpa Surana
Crowds were wowed by live entertainment, including some spectacular dancing. - Credit: Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association / Shilpa Surana
People from Ipswich of all different backgrounds enjoyed themselves celebrating and learning about Indian culture. - Credit: Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association / Shilpa Surana
Chair of the Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association, Shilpa Surana. - Credit: Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association / Shilpa Surana
People from Ipswich of all different backgrounds enjoyed themselves celebrating and learning about Indian culture. - Credit: Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association / Shilpa Surana
The crowds were wowed with live entertainment. - Credit: Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association / Shilpa Surana
Children playing on the funfair at Ipswich's Indian Summer Mela - Credit: Ella Wilkinson
