Festival cancelled by downpours

Signature had been due to perform at the Mela.

The 19th annual Middlesbrough Mela has been cancelled after the event site became waterlogged by heavy rain.

Crowds of more than 30,000 were expected to flock to the multi-cultural festival at the town's Albert Park over the weekend.

Organisers called off the event on Friday afternoon fearing conditions at the park were too dangerous for visitors and performers.

A spokeswoman said there were no plans to reschedule the festival.

Mela co-ordinator Teri Sayers said: "The decision to cancel is very sad for everyone involved but the amount of rain we have had has made holding the Mela untenable.

"Even if we had a beautiful day tomorrow the conditions would just not be good enough."

Last year's Britain's Got Talent runners-up Signature had been due to perform at the Mela.