CROWDS braved heavy downpours on Saturday to enjoy cultural entertainment.

Hundreds of guests descended on Palmer Park for the annual Reading Mela celebrations.

The day brings together various communities to share their culture, art and food.

It was chaired this year by councillors Debs Edwards, the Mayor of Reading, and Alok Sharma, MP for Reading West.

As well as traditional dances and performances, there were also a range of stalls to keep the children entertained.

Youngsters were particularly delighted by a Thames Valley Police van and a donkey stall, where they had the chance to ride and take pictures with the animals.