HIP-HOP, bhangra, Bollywood, Lollywood and classical Indian dancing are just some of the many performances by some of Southampton's most talented artists at the city's first free EAT festival.

During the May Day bank holiday weekend parts of Southampton city centre including Bargate and the WestQuay Shopping centre will be brought to life by a wide range of artists and performers from singers to dancers and musicians to workshop professionals for the Emerging Artistic Talents festival.

EAT organiser Mick Smith, said: "Southampton has an opportunity to be seen as a major focal point for art and culture. The talent is here, and we can be proud because we have some amazing artists living in the area, many of whom, are starting to get national recognition.

"EAT will provide three great days of artistic entertainment which people can enjoy and feel a part of. In the past, a lot of creative talent, including many graduates, has left Southampton in favour of creative opportunities elsewhere. This is why we are urging local people and businesses to come along and support EAT." A live music stage will be outside the Bargate for the entire festival. Saturday's line-up is a mixture of gospel, soul, jazz and funk.

On Sunday April 30 the Bargate will be treated to a range of world music from Bhangra to Lollywood and Mongolian rap when Southampton-based Pukaar light up the stage from 4pm till 8pm. Audiences will be treated to performances from Pukaar's bhangra band, East-West Fusion band, as well as many talented solo artists including South American John Ruiz and African Congo artist Jeanpy Nsele Bembwana.

Pukaar's own DJ will also be getting the crowds going with his blend of Bollywood, Lollywood, bhangra and fusion music.

Also on Sunday is this year's Access Festival, happening as part of EAT from 12pm to 9pm in Mayflower Park. It includes a main stage, dance tent, acoustic tent and a specially-constructed large wall where graffiti artists from Southampton arts studio Somnio will capture the day's action with their spray skills.

On Monday, the Bargate stage is given over to a number of the hottest young bands in the city, offering people the chance to see them first and say they were there. Visitors will also be given the chance to work alongside some of the artists by taking part in various free workshops during the bumper weekend.

Art Asia, one of Southampton's biggest South Asian arts organisations, is hosting a series of performances and workshops on the lower ground floor of the WestQuay Shopping centre on May 1 from 11am. Among them will be Vidya Thirunarayan's 'Shree Dance Group' who specialise in Kathak, a North Indian classical dance as well as Bollywood-style dancing and Bharatanatyam, another style of Indian classical dance.

Art Asia's tabla teacher Iqbal Pathan will also be holding drumming workshops on the day and he will be performing alongside Farqooq Ijimal for a tabla and sitar duet.

One of the biggest highlights for the Art Asia platform, which celebrates 25 years this year, will be performances by all-girl bhangra/fusion dance troupe called Prana from London.

For the latest news about EAT Southampton, check the website: www.eatsouthampton.com.