A HUGE call-out has been issued for volunteers to get involved in a large festival for the Queen's platinum jubilee expected to attract 10,000 people.

People in Southampton are needed for The Big Platinum Festival taking part at Mayflower Park on June 5.

Organised by Unity 101 Community Radio, based in Southampton, the festival will boast a variety of performances, stalls and activities to celebrate the Queen's 70-year reign.

Project and station manager at Unity 101, Ram Kalyan "Kelly" said: "This is a once in a lifetime event and we want everyone to be involved, from schools, colleges, businesses and community organisations.

"We are also looking for stage managers, skilled volunteers and general volunteers who want to get involved in the largest jubilee festival in the south.

He added: "We hope to achieve a legacy for everyone involved in the running of the event, to enhance their skills, knowledge and heighten their appreciation of what makes the UK a success story and how the Queen and Commonwealth unites us all."

Kelly said volunteers will be trained - and they can also enjoy the ticketed event celebrating the Queen.

Fellow organiser Nagendra Mishra, of Visualytes IT & Marketing Solutions, said: "Volunteering is much more than giving - it's what you take away from the experience.

"We give as much as we put in.

"Being involved in an event like this helps us to achieve our corporate responsibility."

The event is not only about celebrating the Queen's reign, but also being proud of the talent Southampton boasts.

Organiser Dowayne Neufville of Gi Media LTD said: “We have so much talent in the city region, from performers, local street food sellers to arts and crafts, to name a few. 

"This is a collective effort to not only showcase the region, but to also support of City of Culture bid.

"We don’t need to put Southampton on the map, it’s firmly on the map. We need to push to the surface and be proud of the many things people are doing in and around the city.”

The Big Platinum Festival will run from 10am to 9pm and visitors will be treated to a variety of entertainment and activities on the day.

A grand funfair will be at the event, along with new car displays, football workshops, a children's zone and circus performances.

On top of that, there will be a DJ demonstration, a Chinese dragon dancers procession, TV and radio studios, an appearance from the Southampton Music Hub.

Happiness managers will also be giving away goody bags at the family-oriented event.

For those needing to quench their thirst and stop their stomach rumbling, there will be a licensed bar and street food stalls around the park.

Throughout the day, there will be various performances on the main stage.

This includes The Reign, a musical drama full of hit songs from every decade with dance, visual effects and costumes.

There will be seven dance schools performing dance numbers representing each of the decades the Queen has been a monarch, party DJs and a performance from tribute band Forever Queen.

The Big Platinum Band will perform songs from some of the 54 commonwealth countries, alongside performances from British-Asian, Caribbean and African singers and dancers.

The festival will also feature an introducing stage for up-and-coming local artists, poets and buskers, while the theatre stage hosts productions by local colleges.

Visit thebigplatinumfestival.org to join up as a volunteer.

Single tickets start at £10 with family tickets starting at £20.

See mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/big-platinum-festival-2022 to purchase.