“WE have brought the world to Southampton.”

That was the view of the man behind the Southampton Mela Festival, which saw thousands bask in the sweltering heat while taking in cultures from all over the world.

Vinod Desai, artistic director of the Mela, who created the event, said there was something for everyone, from Flamenco dancing to bagpipe playing.

Organisers believe the free event, in Hoglands Park on Saturday, may have had its highest turnout yet with more than 20,000 people expected to have crammed into the event by the end of the day.

The event, which is in its eleventh year had to be cancelled due to bad weather last year, but there were no such problems this weekend with not a cloud in the sky at Hoglands Park.

The main stage had a mixture of international musicians and dancers, with highlights including Sonia Sabri with her contemporary South Asian dance and music performance Jungi and Bhangra artists Nirmal Sidhu and Nav Sidhu.

The World Stage featured music from around the world, including Spanish Flamenco and African Marimbas.

There were also music workshops where people to have a go themselves, as well as a variety of art, craft and dance workshops, a number of sports activities and numerous stalls.

In a salute to 100 years of Bollywood, throughout the day could do their bit for a Bollywood themed community mural.

Visitors could also sample a whole host of dishes from around the world.

“It rained until we were drowned in the sorrows last time and this year we’re sweating in this weather – what a difference a year makes,” said Mr Desai, who is chief executive of Art Asia.

“We’re delighted that people are welcoming the Mela year after year and it grows stronger and stronger.

“It’s going really well.

“We’re seeing lots of people from different backgrounds all mingling, eating and drinking and listening to the music and it’s a real family atmosphere.”

Rita Turvey, 63, of Coppice Road, Calmore, a part-time dance teacher, said: “We have been every year since it started.

“We just love the music and it’s just such a nice atmosphere. I like watching the Bollywood dancing.

“It’s just very diverse, there’s so many nationalities here, it’s great.”