THE city’s biggest free family festival returns this weekend.

The Southampton Mela Festival, which attracts about 20,000 people each year, will be back at Hoglands Park tomorrow.

Above, we have created a picture gallery to remind you of the past 11 years of what has become  a long-standing highlight in Southampton’s summer events calendar.

Organisers from Art Asia are promising a fusion of music, dance and family activities, all of an international flavour.

The main stage opens at midday with Bollywood music and songs from Harmony Group London and offers drumming and a whole host of dance and singing styles throughout the day.

Belly dancing and flamenco demonstrations and workshops are on the programme in the activity tent, with the Jubilee Brass Band, Warsash Band and Panjazz International will perform in the Big Band & Brass Tent.

Stilt walkers, the Bombaybaja Brass Band and The Old Thumper Jazzband will entertain visitors around the site.

Enjoy Rangoli with Caroline Rackham, as well as face painting and calligraphy in the activity zone and see The Ukofonics, Garba 365 Dance Group and The Croppies in action on the World Stage.

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of music and dance from South Asia and around the world, including Indian Classical, Bollywood, Folk, World Music, Asian Fusion, Flamenco and Bhangra.

The Mela’s bustling food court will tickle the tastebuds of visitors, offering dishes from all corners of the globe.

Shoppers can browse numerous stalls offering handmade jewellery, clothing, arts and crafts, some produced locally, others with an international flavour.

The festival has built a reputation as a great family day out with plenty of entertainment and activities for all ages, plus entrance is free, as are most of the family focused activities on offer.

Vinod Desai MBE, Art Asia chief executive and Mela programmer, told the Daily Echo: “Join us and friends for a day of free family fun.

“We would love you to come and enjoy an assortment of music and dance styles from South Asia and around the world, plus great activities for the family, international food and market stalls and a friendly atmosphere.”

Southampton Mela Festival runs from noon to 9pm.

Visit southamptonmela.com.