A RECORD number of visitors turned up to Yate Heritage Centre on Saturday to savour the delights of different cultures.

Around 1,100 people enjoyed Bollywood dancing, Rangoli art, Chinese music and Polish dance displays during the Yate International Festival.

Community heritage officers David Hardill said: "It was a fantastic day.

"Everything went as smoothly as we would have hoped and it was our most successful event at the heritage centre ever."

He said the belly dancing and international cuisine proved popular with visitors who came from far and wide, including Cheltenham, Wiltshire, Bristol and of course, Yate itself.

The festival is the only annual international event in South Gloucestershire and is now in its fourth year.

Added Mr Hardill: "It started out as giving something to the people of Yate that they would not ordinarily experience.

"It was about letting people see different cultures in a positive light but I think its popularity is down to the variety of entertainment that you do usually see.

"There are not many events where you see such diversity so it is quite unique."