The future of the Edinburgh Mela festival has been cast into doubt amid uncertainty over funding.

Concerns are growing that the 21st edition of the annual event will not go ahead this summer if it does not secure a grant from the city council.

The festival, which is due to take place on Leith Links on August 27 and 28, received £76,679 from the local authority last year.

Each of the capital's festivals faces an annual reduction in funding as the council tries to balance its books.

The Mela would have been expected to receive around £74,000 in funding this year but the council is yet to confirm it will support the event.

The uncertainty follows a turbulent few months for the Mela, which has already lost the financial backing of other key supporters including the Scottish Government.

Its director Chris Purnell left in March after several disagreements with the board.

A police investigation is also ongoing into "financial irregularities" involving an individual linked to the Mela.

It is understood the police probe is not directly linked to the festival itself.

A spokeswoman for the city council said: "The council remains in discussion with the Edinburgh Mela board.

"Council funding for the 2016 event is yet to be confirmed."

A spokesman for the Edinburgh Mela said the organisation did not wish to comment at this time.