GALLERY: Thousands flock to Christchurch Park for Indian Summer Mela

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 (Image: Archant)

A Bollywood dancer performing at the Ipswich Summer Mela at Christchurch Park (Image: Archant)

A father and his daughter playing on the hook-a-duck at Christchurch Park Indian Summer Mela (Image: Archant)

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.

"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 (Image: Archant)

Mayor John Cook enjoyed learning about and taking part in Indian culture. (Image: Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association / Shilpa Surana)

Crowds were wowed by live entertainment, including some spectacular dancing. (Image: Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association / Shilpa Surana)

People from Ipswich of all different backgrounds enjoyed themselves celebrating and learning about Indian culture. (Image: Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association / Shilpa Surana)

Chair of the Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association, Shilpa Surana. (Image: Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association / Shilpa Surana)

People from Ipswich of all different backgrounds enjoyed themselves celebrating and learning about Indian culture. (Image: Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association / Shilpa Surana)

The crowds were wowed with live entertainment. (Image: Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association / Shilpa Surana)

Children playing on the funfair at Ipswich's Indian Summer Mela (Image: Archant)