IT was only launched last year, but already the Eastleigh Summer Music Festival is attracting some of the biggest names around.

Thanks to the efforts of organiser Peter Chegwyn, the ten-day event is attracting music fans from all over the world - including an avid Shane McGowan fan who is travelling all the way from Australia to catch the Irish star in action next Friday.

Like last year, the festival boasts an appealingly eclectic line-up, contrasting contemporary pop stars like Will Young with veteran performers such as Dionne Warwick and Bill Wyman, who opens the festival tonight.

Billed as the biggest live music event in Hampshire this year, more than 60,000 people are expected to attend the event, which features stars performing in a 1,000-capacity circus-style big top and open-air arena in Eastleigh's Fleming Park.

A host of stars, including Midge Ure, Leo Sayer and Judie Tzuke, join forces next on Saturday, July 31 as part of Spike Edney's SAS Band.

In addition to the main acts, the bill features several "world music" acts from Australia, America, Belgium, Spain, India and Africa, plus more than two dozen bands from around Britain.

As well as all the music on offer, there is free family entertainment every afternoon plus a ten-day craft fair and other attractions.

"What makes the Eastleigh Summer Music Festival special is its friendly, informal atmosphere," says Mr Chegwyn.

"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."

Fleming Park, Eastleigh, tonight until Sunday, August 1. For tickets and information call the 24-hour ticket hotline on 08700 600100. (www.ticketweb.co.uk), The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton on 023 8071 1811 (or www.ticketsouth.co.uk), The Point, Eastleigh on 023 8065 2333 or The Brook, Southampton on 023 8055 5366.

Eastleigh Summer Music Festival line-up:

Tonight, 7.30pm: Bill Wyman and the Rhythm Kings. Tickets: £25

Tomorrow, 8pm: Will Young, with support from Lucie Silvas. Tickets: £32.50

Sunday, 8pm: Aled Jones and The Libera Choir. Tickets: £20

Monday, 7.30pm: 2-Tonic, RU40, Uncle Herb. Tickets: £8

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

Wednesday, 7.30pm: Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel. Tickets: £20

Thursday, 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). Tickets: £20

Sunday, August 1, 7.30pm: Rolf Harris, plus Kepa Junkera. Tickets: £20