From cooking demonstrations of the finest Indian cuisine to live Bhangra music, the 14th annual Indian Summer Mela had it all at a packed Christchurch Park.

More than 7,000 people celebrated all things Indian at the Sunday afternoon event, enjoying tasty fresh naan breads, Henna tattoos, dance performances from Nupur Arts Dance Academy, DanceAsia Hara Tribal Bellydance, sari and turban demonstrations.

One of the most popular tents was the Rangoli Workshop – a special kind of Indian art featuring symmetrical designs on customised boards, often used to celebrate Diwali.

Poli Mohan, chairwoman of organisers the Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association, said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic and all the stalls have been very busy.

“It’s a very diverse event, and you only have to look at how people are having a fantastic time.”

People of all ages came along to enjoy the day’s variety, which also featured jewellery and craft market stalls, Mela’s Got Talent and Indian food village.

Liam Poole, 31, said: “It’s a really lovely atmosphere. We have come to this event for the last couple of years and the music is great, the food smells great and the atmosphere is wonderful.”

Graham Garrard, also from Ipswich, added: “Last weekend was music in the park, today the mela, so it’s nice to have these and make the most of the park.”