A SPECTACULAR string of superstars are set to give a blockbusting launch to Eastleigh's first ever music and arts festival.

The Daily Echo can now exclusively reveal the line-up which will include Jools Holland, Sir Bob Geldof, pictured, and legendary Aussie entertainer Rolf Harris.

It is set to be the biggest live music event in the south this year and an announcement will be made in the next few days of a major sponsorship deal with one of Eastleigh's leading firms.

Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra will headline the new Eastleigh Summer Music Festival which will be spread over six days starting on Tuesday, July 29.

And Jools Holland will appear in a special concert at the Manor Farm Country Park, Bursledon on Thursday, July 31.

Other artists appearing at the six-day festival will perform in a 1,000 capacity colourful circus style big top at Leigh Road Recreation Ground in the heart of Eastleigh.

The star-spangled package will include Live Aid organiser Sir Bob Geldof, Rolf Harris, top Irish band The Saw Doctors, Glastonbury Festival favourites The Levellers, legendary American band The Drifters and tribute band Real Abba Gold.

The Festival, which is being backed by Eastleigh Council and local businesses, will also include a special concert by The SAS Band (Spike's All Stars).

It will feature a host of top pop stars from the Seventies, Eighties and Nineties including Leo Sayer, Paul Young, Graham Gouldman (10 cc), Midge Ure, Fish and Chris Thompson (Manfred Mann's Earthband) plus some surprise guest stars.

As well as the big name concerts, the festival will include an open air concert by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra at Netley's Royal Victoria Country Park on Saturday, July 12. Announcing the star packed line up the festival's joint promoter Richard Davey, of The Brook music venue in Portswood, Southampton, said: "This is a top class line-up for a top class festival.

"Some of the best known names in the music world will be coming to perform in Eastleigh and the festival looks certain to be the biggest live music event in the south this year."

Tickets for the festival will go on sale in early May from The Point Arts Centre in Eastleigh, The Brook and via the official festival website which will also include regular updates on festival events.