South Asian festival celebrates 10th anniversary

A Berkshire festival showcasing South Asian culture is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Reading Mela draws thousands of people to the town's Palmer Park every summer and this year is no different, with more than 5,000 expected to attend over the weekend.

The free festival began in 2016 and brings together music, culture, food and community in a vibrant celebration of South Asian heritage.

The event's co-founder, Aradhana Singh, said: "It's like we are bringing all communities together because we are celebrating our own culture."

There is "something for everyone" at the festival, said Singh, adding: "Everyone is coming to see other culture, other music, other food, so it's a good place to interact with other culture, other community."

Reading is home to one of three national plasma donation centres and the festival provides an opportunity to attract donors who are often difficult to reach.

Khushi Jhurani, community engagement coordinator for NHS Blood and Transplant, told the BBC on Saturday: "Our goal is to break that barrier and let them know that even with certain conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes, they can still donate here in the UK.

"So we are here to spread awareness and get those people to register to help save even one life if they can."

Jhurani added: "When we are out to events like this, when we go to Reading Mela, when we do Reading Festival, we see different communities, so [it is] being able to be part of those communities and spread awareness about donating blood or donating plasma, whichever way they feel is easier.

"I think it breaks down that barrier and when they have a one-on-one chat to us and we tell them about the whole process, it's not as hard or difficult as they think, especially here in the UK, so that's why we are here."