MUSIC, food and dance from around the globe is coming together at the Eastleigh Mela today.

Held in the Leigh Road recreation ground in blazing sunshine, the eighth annual event brought together different communities and ethnic groups from across Hampshire and the south.

British-Indian singer Navin Kundra, with six number one singles across Asian and millions of YouTube hits to his name, topped the bill.

A number of acts from Hampshire, including Eastleigh's Fusion Choir, the Crestwood Steel Band and The Soul Catchers, all wowed the crowds at various times throughout the day, while there was also a performance from retired Gurkha captain Bir Bahadur Thapa, who only began his singing career at the age of 61.

Irish, Bollywood and Nepalese dancers were also among the acts performing, as well as belly dancer Jan Belly.

The event was also an opportunity for people to find out more about some of Hampshire's various ethnic communities, with many religious and cultural groups opening stalls.

A number of charities were also supported at the mela, including the Mayor of Eastleigh Cllr Malcolm Cross's charities Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Eastleigh Young Carers.