INTERNATIONAL names from the world of music could be heading to Eastleigh next summer to star in a major new festival.

Civic chiefs are planning to stage a £100,000 plus week-long event running from Monday July 28 to Sunday August 3 at the town centre's Leigh Road recreation ground.

A special arena would be created to cater for capacity crowds of 2,000 - with 800 under cover in a marquee.

No line up has yet been announced but big names from the world of rock, folk, jazz and country - inlcuding the likes of Jools Holland, Rolf Harris and Billy Bragg - could be some of the top attractions.

The massive festival could be at the heart of a programme of summer fun linking the annual Eastleigh dance festival alongside the historic town carnival and funfair.

This is the view of Eastleigh council leader Keith House. pictured below.

Speaking to the Daily Echo he said: "Our latest event to brighten up the summer will both liven up the town and help local traders and the market keep busy at what is often a quite time of year.

"We are looking for a host of community based events from children's entertainers and free lunchtime and afternoon music in and around the marquee with a mix of local and world musicians.

"Then in the evening we'll be using ticketed events to bring names from the world of folk, jazz, country and rock into the town over seven nights, both at The Point and in the marquee.

"This will be a festival with something for everyone, and we are pleased to be working with the organisers of the successful Gosport Festivals that have brought local, national and world-class performers to Hampshire."

Tonight the council's executive Cabinet will be recommended to splash out £25,000 to become the lead-sponsor of the event.

In a joint report from Cllr House and executive councillor for leisure, Alan Broadhurst, Cabinet members will be told the proposal involves the council collaborating with Soundbass Promotions - but there would be no financial liability to the borough beyond its sponsorship support.

Price of the event has been put at £75,000 to £90,000 excluding artists' costs and it is envisaged that the cash to fund the project will be raised from commercial sponsorship and trade concessions.