ORGANISERS of a Rossendale festival have combined two major events in a bid to attract a record crowd to this year's event.

The multi-cultural Rossendale Mela and Festival has been incorporated into the Rossendale Weekend with the venue moving from Whitaker Park in Rawtenstall to a new, bigger location.

The joint event, now at Marl Pits, will feature live music, arts and crafts, clowns and jugglers, fairground rides, multicultural catering stalls and various entertainment.

Rossendale Weekend, like the Mela, is a celebration of the borough's different ethnic backgrounds. And with both events combined, Elaine Walsh of Rossendale Leisure Trust said she hoped the extra attractions would bring more people than ever before.

Gayle Knight, of Mid Pennine Arts, another key organiser of the festival added: "It's a wonderful opportunity for the people of Rossendale and beyond to come together and celebrate all the diverse culture, entertainment and creativity that Rossendale has to offer."

The festival, on Saturday, June 24 from noon to 6pm, involves a variety of groups taking part in the project including the Anglo-Pakistan Society and will also offer quality workshops with professional artists for all the family.