Integrity Beatz Muzik, made up of eight local lads, had been due to perform on both 7 and 8 July at the popular Peel Park weekend spectacular, in front of over 100,000 visitors in what is one of Europe's largest Mela's.

However, Bradford Council say that 'persistent torrential rain over recent weeks' forced them to cancel this year's Mela and Integrity Beatz Muzik producer Moss Sheikh is far from happy.

He says: "We were going to release our first album on the back of our Mela performances, so it was a massive stage for us, a chance for a local group of Bradford lads to really give the City something to be proud of. It's been such a disappointment."

The group also told Leader they were surprised that the Council decided to cancel the event, rather than to postpone or find a new venue.

Lyricist L.Karim said: "It's all about money I think – they could have taken it to West Bowling Park or Lister Park, they're both big enough.

"You get all these music acts coming in from out of town, but this was a chance for us to represent our county at our own Mela and it's been taken away."

Another of the group's lyricists, Killah, added: "So many people I know couldn't wait to see us on stage. The council made an easy decision to cancel – they could have postponed it and found a new venue."

Council officers say they are now looking into the possibility of programming some of the bands scheduled to play at the Mela as part of the concerts programme over the next 12 months.

Bradford Council's Emergency Planning Team manager Mike Powell said: "Although this is a huge let down, we have been beaten by the elements. We have to be responsible and consider the dangers associated with getting the park ready and we are not prepared to put people at risk."

ENDS