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The London Mela in Gunnersbury Park, west London, offered a vast choice of performances ranging from traditional music and dances to Asian rap and hip-hop.

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Visitors could attend workshops to learn the elegant movements and hand gestures of traditional dances.

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Family shows included magicians and puppetry. "This Mela is very well organised with a great variety of entertainment for kids as well as as grown-ups. it's a great day for everyone," said Mitul Patel, from Uganda.

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Curry and tikka masala was easy to get hold of, but many opted for ice-creams or cool coconut milk to keep cool in the sweltering heat.

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Ladies were keen to get their hands decorated with mehndis, or henna tattoos, while children could have their faces painted at a special stall.

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Mehndis are usually associated with important moments in women's life, such as marriage. The red henna dye comes from the crumbled leaves of a plant.

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Drums are among the oldest instruments in the Indian subcontinent. Bengali drums include the dhak, which makes such a loud noise it cannot be used to accompany singers.

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But main stage performances of pop artists including Canadian artist Raghav, who made the top 10 earlier this year with Can't Get Enough, were the Mela's most popular attraction.

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Indian classical dance derives from ancient acts of worship performed in temples.

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"I like the fact that all Asian communities are coming together here," said Hargindar Gariwar from Punjab (left), who has been living in London for 14 years.