SOUTHAMPTON is set to be spiced up this month with the city's first Asian festival.

Organisers hope the free event will attract thousands of people to Hoglands Park for the mix of music, dancing and art.

Leading Bollywood and Bhangra artists are expected to perform at the all-day extravaganza and various workshops will be on offer.

Vinod Desai, chief executive of Southampton organisation Art Asia, said it had been his dream to put on such an event since he set up the group around 20 years ago.

"We are very excited because this will be the first time in Southampton and the south for a festival like this," he said. "Art Asia has been promoting a variety of south Asian arts for more than 20 years and this is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate what we have achieved so far."

The event, which runs from noon to 9pm on Saturday, June 21, will be compered by Asian radio personality Ravi Sharma and feature top Bollywood performers.

Workshops will offer tips on artwork, dancing and singing and there will also be scores of trade and foods stalls.

Among the performers will be bhangra act RDB, who have performed to thousands of people at venues across the world, and Southampton DJ Bombsquad.

Mr Desai said: "We will have top international artists and DJs performing at the festival.

"There's a lot of excitement about Bollywood and bhangra at the moment and it is something that is starting to appeal to everyone.

"We've held things a little similar, but on a smaller scale, in places like theatres but never something like this in the open for the general public.

"We hope it will be a real party in the park."

For details on sponsoring, holding a stall or volunteering at the event telephone Art Asia on 023 8022 6212 or 023 8022 0561.