IT'S only in its second year, but already the Eastleigh Summer Music Festival is living up to organiser Peter Chegwyn's claim for it being "the biggest live music event in Hampshire".

Ticket sales for the ten-day event, which this weekend saw Bill Wyman, Will Young and Aled Jones entertaining in the circus-style big top in Eastleigh's Fleming Park, have so far topped £200,000. In total, an estimated audience of more than 60,000 music fans is to descend on the town, which is still getting to grips with its overnight reputation as one of the country's top live music destinations.

And the festival's reputation for excellence has spread further than the confines of Hampshire.

"Last week we sold a ticket to someone in Armadale, Australia, who is flying right across the world just to see Shane McGowan and The Popes perform on Friday. We are truly an international festival!" said Mr Chegwyn, who organises the event single-handed from the back bedroom of his house in Gosport.

With the help of £25,000 sponsorship from Eastleigh Borough Council, Mr Chegwyn - who also finds time to fulfil his duties as a Gosport Borough and Hampshire County Council councillor - has assembled a line-up to rival those of longer-established, higher profile festivals. The biggest coups this year are undoubtedly Will Young and Dionne Warwick, while the eclectic programme takes in everything from classical (Aled Jones and the Libera Choir) to blues (Eric Bibb) and all-round family entertainment (Rolf Harris and his wobble-board, making their second festival appearance).

Plans for the first festival started in 2002, when Eastleigh councillor Keith House proposed the idea.

"Initially it was a couple of concerts but we ended up with the biggest live music event in Hampshire and most of the south, Glastonbury excepted," explained Mr Chegwyn.

He says the festival will not only bring top-quality entertainment to Eastleigh, but also boost the local economy.

In addition to the main concerts, Mr Chegwyn has laid on a host of other attractions, including world music acts from Australia, America, Belgium, Spain, India and Africa, more than two dozen bands from around Britain, a ten-day craft fair, and free family entertainment every afternoon.

"What makes the Eastleigh Summer Music Festival special is its friendly, informal atmosphere," he said.

"It is not often that you can see top international stars like Dionne Warwick, Bill Wyman and Will Young performing in a circus big top in a park in Eastleigh.

"The stars love the intimate atmosphere and the fans love being so close to their heroes."

Read reviews for Will Young, Bill Wyman and Aled Jones by clicking the What's On link at the top of this page.

WHO'S ON AT THE EASTLEIGH SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL:

Monday, July 26, 7.30pm: Local bands - 2-Tonic, RU40, Uncle Herb. Tickets: £8

Tuesday, July 27, 7.30pm: Eric Bibb, plus support. Tickets: £15

Wednesday, July 28, 7.30pm: Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel. Support from Nasher. Tickets: £20

Thursday, July 29, 8pm: Dionne Warwick, plus support. Tickets: £30

Friday, , July 30, 7.30pm: Shane McGowan and The Popes. Tickets: £20

Saturday, July 31, 7.30pm: The SAS Band (Spike's All Stars), featuring Judie Tzuke, Midge Ure and Leo Sayer. Tickets: £20

Sunday, August 01, 7.30pm: Rolf Harris, plus Kepa Junkera. Tickets: £20.

For tickets and information call the 24-hour ticket hotline on 08700 600100 (or www.ticketweb.co.uk), The Mayflower, Southampton on 023 8071 1811 (or www.ticket-south.co.uk), The Point, Eastleigh on 023 8065 2333 or The Brook, Southampton on 023 8055 5366.

Tickets for all concerts are also available at the door.