IPSWICH’S annual Indian Summer Mela – postponed earlier this month because of heavy rainfall – has been rearranged.

Torrential downpours left Christchurch Park saturated and unable to stage the popular event, which had been due to take place on July 8.

Ipswich Borough Council and the Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association today confirmed the Mela will now take place on bank holiday Monday, August 27.

Organisers have also announced a change of venue – the Cornhill in the town centre, which will be covered with a grass carpet.

Highlights will include performances of Indian dance, music, yoga and Bollywood workshops, a market and Indian food village.

For those hoping to picnic and enjoy the festival experience, organisers have arranged for artificial grass to cover the Town Hall forecourt and will also bring a stage in for live performances.

Councillor Bryony Rudkin, culture portfolio-holder, said: “The easy option would have been to write-off the event as a victim of the summer’s poor weather, but the council was determined to help ensure the tenth Indian Summer Mela takes place in 2012.

“We hope as many people as possible are able to come out and enjoy this rich and colourful celebration of South Asian culture.”

Poli Mohan, from the Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support and kind words from so many people after the weather forced us to postpone the original date in the park.

“We also offer a huge thank you to Ipswich Borough Council who have been fundamental in helping us deliver one of the cultural highlights of the Ipswich calendar.”

Further information visit www.ip-art.com