New date for Indian Mela

As well as announcing a new date, organisers have announced a change of venue - the Cornhill in the town centre, complete with a "grass carpet". Highlights are set to include stunning performances of Indian dance, music, yoga and Bollywood workshops, a market and Indian food village. For those hoping to picnic and enjoy that festival experience, organisers have arranged for artificial grass to cover the Town Hall forecourt and 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 10th 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, 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."