A HUGE cultural celebration took place over the weekend, with music, performances and ginormous puppets.

Warrington Mela made its grand return over the weekend, bringing a celebration of different cultures to the town centre.

The spectacular mix of street theatre, dance, music and food took over Queen’s Gardens and Time Square for its 12th year.

Huge puppets filled the air throughout the dayHuge puppets filled the air throughout the day (Image: Dave Gillespie)

The theme for this year's festival was 'connections'The theme for this year's festival was 'connections' (Image: Dave Gillespie)

The event celebrated different cultures through food, music and performancesThe event celebrated different cultures through food, music and performances (Image: Dave Gillespie)

The festival, which took place on Sunday, spotlighted local talent on the community stage, celebrating the cultures of South Asia, Nigeria, Hong Kong and Ukraine.

For the first time the event connected Palmyra Square and Time Square, symbolising this year’s theme of ‘connections’ by uniting people through culture, food and a varied arts programme.

This year’s festival was more ambitions and inclusive than ever thanks to a National Lottery Project Grant from Arts Council England.

The event received a huge grant from Arts Council EnglandThe event received a huge grant from Arts Council England (Image: Dave Gillespie) The parade started in the morningThe parade started in the morning (Image: Dave Gillespie) Many of the performers wore beautiful and bright costumesMany of the performers wore beautiful and bright costumes (Image: Dave Gillespie)The event was delivered in partnership with Warrington Ethnic Communities Association (WECA), Culture Warrington and Warrington BID.

“We are very grateful to Arts Council England for their support, which helps us continue the important work of bringing Warrington Mela to our community,” said Cllr Mo Hussain, Deputy Mayor if Warrington and Secretary of WECA.

“This recognition of the festival as a quality arts event is something we take pride in, as it plays a key role in celebrating the different cultures within our town.”

Warrington Mela started in 2011Warrington Mela started in 2011 (Image: Dave Gillespie) The festival took place throughout the day across the townThe festival took place throughout the day across the town (Image: Dave Gillespie) The festival connected Palmyra Square and Time SquareThe festival connected Palmyra Square and Time Square (Image: Dave Gillespie)

The festival kicked off at 11am in Time Square as the Warrington Mela Parade began, led by traditional Dhol drumming group, Rhythm of Warrington.

Performers from Ukraine and traditional dances from India provided entertainment throughout the afternoon, and huge puppets filled the air.

Concluding at 4.15pm at Queen’s Gardens, and the fun continued until 5pm at Time Square.