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All the fun of the fair

Traffic trailed back a mile along Middleton Road as car loads of visitors squeezed through the Crumpsall entrance as the event went into full swing in mid afternoon yesterday (Sunday).

The free event was open to everyone but part of the park close to the Papal Monument was cordoned off as a security measure amid fears the Islamic fundamentalist Kilifah group planned to hijack the event.

There was a flashpoint when a small band of Kilifah supporters confronted security guards at the gates and demanded to be allowed inside to distribute leaflets.

The security guards were threatened but potential trouble was avoided when the group was allowed to set up a stall a few yards from the main entrance to the Mela site.

Activities during the afternoon included a display of Asian Kabadi football, weightlifting and karate.

There was hand painting, fashions and handicrafts and entertainment from Asian Sound Radio and the Pakistani TV Channel.