UP to 10,000 visitors are expected to take part in Southampton’s biggest environmental event of the year on Saturday.

Enviro Day 2009, in the Bargate area from 9am to 4pm, wants to promote recycling and sustainable living in the city.

Organised by Southampton City Council and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, it will feature more than 40 environmentally inspired stalls, free entertainment and air ambulance demonstrations.

Councillor Matt Dean, Cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “Enviro Day is our chance to talk about the environment and hopefully inspire people to recycle.

“There has never been a more important time to think of the environment so it’s great that we are running events like this.”

The day also links with WestQuay’s Pamper the Planet event taking place this weekend.

TV gardening expert Charlie Dimmock will open the event and provide advice for anyone wanting learn more about growing their own fresh, seasonal produce.

Shoppers can watch cooking demonstrations featuring local chefs and learn more about how to cut down on waste and reduce their food miles.

Visitors will also be able to travel home with their purchases in environmentallyfriendly style in WestQuay’s very own bicycle taxi, which will be providing pedal-powered transport all day.

The event will also see brand new recycling bins installed in the malls, with separate compartments for paper, plastic and drinks cans. The new bins will be a permanent feature at WestQuay.