THE city’s biggest free family festival returns this weekend.
The Southampton Mela Festival, which attracts up to 30,000 people each summer, will be back at Hoglands Park on Saturday.
Organisers from Art Asia are promising a fusion of music, dance and family activities, all of an international flavour.
It will be the swansong of culture chief Vinod Desai MBE, who will compere alongside TV presenter Dhruv Gadhvi before he steps down from Art Asia after 36 years at the helm.
The main stage opens at midday with Bollywood music and songs from Pooja Angra and Karan Rana and continues with a drumming spectacular from Another Dimension Drumming Troop.
The audience can enjoy a whole host of dance and singing styles throughout the day with highlights set to include a performance of Bollywood film classics form Southampton Wind Band Ensemble and Pulse 8 and Rajasthani Folk Music from Caravan Raj from India.
Afghanistani music and songs from the Kabul Boys, Flamenco music and dance from the Jero Ferec Flamenco Company and an appearance from Chinese Arts Southampton all take place on the World Stage.
Belly dancing and flamenco demonstrations and workshops are on the programme in the activity tent, while the Jubilee Brass Band, Warsash Band and Southampton Folk Orchestra will perform in the Big Band & Brass Tent.
Stilt walkers, elite circus performers from Rajasthan Circus Raj and jugglers will entertain visitors around the site.
Enjoy Rangoli with Caroline Rackham, as well as music from The Old Thumper Jazzband and a spot of water zorbing.
Visitors can get a flavour of 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 also tickle the tastebuds, offering dishes from all corners of the globe.
Shoppers can browse numerous stalls offering handmade jewellery, clothing, arts and crafts, some produced locally, others internationally.
The festival has built a reputation as a great family day out with plenty of entertainment and activities for all ages. Entrance is free, as are most of the family focused activities on offer.
Southampton Mela Festival runs from noon to 9pm.
Visit southamptonmela.com.
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