At the centre of the tented village, a minor mountain of giant masks, puppets and flags soared up into the air like an oversized Guy Fawkes bonfire. And a brightly painted paper dragon ferociously moved its head from side to side as its tail wagged in the wind, to the delight of passing children.

But it was the drums and rhythms of the various bands and dance troupes, performing in styles from all over Britain and the Indian sub-continent, which could be heard for miles around.

Edinburgh Mela truly is a melting pot of cultural traditions. It is too easy to forget that a celebration of South Asian culture with acts from only one country, would be like a Festival of Britain which consisted solely of Morris Dancers.