THE Eastleigh Festival of Music starts this weekend with an eclectic mix of performers and sounds.

This year it takes on a different format with two evenings of professional shows on May 24 and 25.

It will be followed by a weekend of free music by Hampshire bands along with workshops and entertainment, as well as the Eastleigh Mela, over the weekend of July 7 and 8.

The two evenings of professional shows kick off with Newcastle-based headliners Lanterns On The Lake.

The band fuses together folk and rock, taking influences from artists such as Low, Sigur Ros and Bob Dylan.

They will be supported by West London based five-piece Treetop Flyers, bringing a rock-revved, sepia-toned soul n roll sound.

Formed in 2008 and citing influences such as Van Morrison, The Coral and Peter Green-era Fleetwood Mac, the band earned a slot at Glastonbury’s Other Stage after winning the Emerging Talent Competition in 2011.

This Is The Kit also supports Lanterns on the Lake. Winchester born Kate Stables, who now lives in Paris, sings, plays banjo and guitar, sometimes solo and other times with fellow musicians.

Friday night is headlined by Treacherous Orchestra, a band tipped to be one of the next big folk super groups.

Emerging from the melting pot of Glasgow’s modern folk scene, it comprises ten of Scotland’s and two of Ireland’s finest young musicians.

Featuring bagpipes, whistles, flutes, fiddles, accordion, banjo, guitars, bass, drums, bodhran and percussion, Treacherous Orchestra interweave traditional and modern influences into richly layered and colourful melodies.

Support will come from Scottish singer-songwriter Alasdair Roberts and Gaelic singer Mairi Morrison, following the release of their new album Urstan.

The bill also includes Moulettes. Their brand of modern folk music led to a 2010 Innovation Award from the prestigious Fatea roots music website. They have played at the Glastonbury, Big Session and Latitude festivals.

Performances start at 7pm at The Point in Eastleigh. Tickets are £16 with discounts available for each evening or £30 for both nights.

For more details visit eastleighmusicfestival.co.uk or call 023 8065 2333.