MORE than 150,000 people are expected to attend a truly diverse Southampton Balloon and Flower Festival this weekend.
In addition to a plethora of balloons, blooms and activities, the central element for this year's event is the Festival of Diversity to mark the European Year of Disabled People.
The two-day event - the south's largest free outdoor event of its kind - will also feature mass balloon lift-offs at 6am and 6pm each day from more than 60 hot air balloons, weather permitting.
On Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6, Southampton Common will be given over for the annual show, which has been running for the last 18 years.
Back down on the ground, the attractions include motorbike displays, horses, birds of prey, sheep dog displays and a balloon nightglow.
On Sunday afternoon a Grand Floral Sale will be held to round off the floral and horticultural show. If the weather gets too hot youngsters will be able to cool off at the Common funpool.
The city council's Cabinet member for leisure, culture and tourism, Cllr Peter Wakeford, said: "The Balloon and Flower festival is firmly established as one of the south's best outdoor events and aims to offer something to appeal to all the community.
"This year we are delighted to be able to add a new dimension by including the Festival of Diversity."
Further information is available by contacting City Information on 023 8083 3333 or visiting www.southampton.gov.uk
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