GIRLS Aloud and Melanie C are among the top pop acts set to perform at this year's free Power in the Park concert.

The all-girl band, brought together on TV talent show Popstars - The Rivals, and the former Spice Girl turned solo star are the first two acts to be announced for the annual concert, which takes place on Southampton Common on Sunday June 8.

A host of other top-drawer names from the pop world are being lined up to entertain music fans at the ninth concert, which is being organised by 103.2 Power FM. The event takes place from 12 noon to 4pm and is expected to attract up to 80,000 revellers to the Common.

Between 20 and 25 acts will be booked for the music extravaganza.

Some will be lined up in response to a listeners' poll organised by Power FM.

Sophie Fenning, of Power FM, said: "Every year we try to make Power in the Park bigger and better than ever before.

"Securing Melanie C is a massive coup with the international success she has been enjoying recently and Girls Aloud are already making a huge name in the pop world too.

"To give our listeners more input into the event this year we have set up the listeners' voting poll.

"This should help us to get the best line-up possible that is jam-packed full of all their favourite names in pop."

Melanie C is currently touring the UK to promote her new album, Reason, and plays Southampton Guildhall tomorrow.

Girls Aloud scored a number one hit with their first single, Sound of the Underground.

Previous stars to have graced the Power in the Park stage include Take That, Craig David, Blue, Steps and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

Organisers are hoping the weather will be better for this year's event. Last year, thousands of people left early because of rain and plummeting temperatures.

For your chance to vote for who you want to see on stage at this year's event call the Power FM poll on 09012 701032.