Wearside wedding fair will showcase British and Asian bridal cultures

Rainton Arena, in Houghton, is gearing up to stage its first ever Shaadi Exhibition.

And, along with the chance to view the region’s newest and largest wedding venue, visitors will be able to sample all the traditional ingredients of both British and Asian bridal celebrations.

More than 50 exhibitors will gather at the arena, which can hold up to 2000 people, and along with stalls showcasing wedding photography, flowers and stationery, there will be Indian drummers and henna artists, demonstrating traditional wedding designs.

Jewellers will be displaying everything from wedding bands to ornate necklaces and bracelets, while a highlight of the event will be a catwalk show of Western and Asian bridal gowns and menswear.

Hair and make-up artists will be unveiling bridal looks for the big day, while a whole host of Instagram-able extras – from LED dance floors and video walls, to venue drapes and flower walls, will also be on show.

Indian caterers and North East cake decorators will be showcasing their skills, alongside prosecco trucks and mocktail stalls, wedding cars and even a horse and carriage.

And Rainton Arena’s owner, Jay Johal, said the Shaadi Exhibition looks set to not only be a first for the region, “because it crosses two cultures with very strong bridal traditions,” but also “a great source of inspiration for wedding couples.”

The Shaadi Exhibition will take place from noon to 4pm on March 8. Admission and parking are free of charge.