Chandler's Ford is set to host a festival of arts next year with the centrepiece being a two-week-long summer programme of concerts and taster sessions.

The idea for the scheme came out of this year's successful Hiltingbury Extravaganza which was staged to highlight community development work to improve the facilities at the local recreation ground.

Now, chairman of Eastleigh council's Chandler's Ford and Hiltingbury local area committee Councillor Godfrey Olson has revealed a small working party has already been set up to mastermind the festival which is hoped to encompass the world of music, drama and painting.

Cllr Olson said he thought the festival would probably start with the opening of Thornden School's "magnificent" new concert hall in February.

But he added: "We are going to start our own event off on Saturday, June 28 and run a programme of various things through to Saturday, July 12.

"The programme has yet to be finalised but, certainly, on the opening day people will be able to come along and have a tour of the new Thornden hall.

"There will be music from Thornden pupils and members of its feeder schools and we hope residents will also be able to have an opportunity to try out artistic activities such as singing, flower arranging, dance and drama using the good offices of local societies."

In the meantime, the Chandler's Ford and Hiltingbury local area committee is keen for anyone running an art event in 2003 in the locality to come forward.

Any organisation that would like its event advertised should get in touch with Bridget Whyte at Eastleigh Civic Offices on 023 8068 8444.