THE WORLD Cup may be taking place in Germany but one part of Southampton will give the host nation a run for its money when it celebrates its own winners as part of an annual festival.

The World in St Mary's A Winning Team' is the theme given to this year's free St Mary's Festival which takes place on Saturday July 8, in St Mary's Church and grounds, St Mary Street, Southampton.

Now in its ninth year, this annual community festival is expecting to be bigger and better than ever and has even got a World Cup theme to tie in with the footballing tournament.

Rebecca Williams, festival co-ordinator, said: "This year we are celebrating the World Cup and the many different international communities that live in the area. As well as Saints In The Community joining us to run a penalty shoot out competition, the entertainment is set to include Chinese singing, Kurdish and Polish dancing, Asian and African-Caribbean drumming, an urban poet plus singing and Indian dancing from St Mary's Primary School.

"Food and refreshments will also be available for residents to try out foods from different cultures."

One of the biggest highlights on the day will be a carnival procession from the Bargate, down around Hoglands Park, through Kingsland market to St Mary's Church site for the festival's official opening by mayor Councillor Jon Slade.

The carnival has been organised in partnership with the Crazy Thornhill Carnival and TWICS who have been conducting carnival costume-making workshops for community leaders to enable local children and groups to get involved, thanks to £2,000 cash boost by West Itchen Community Trust who are sponsoring the workshops and procession.

The Thornhill Crazy Carnival group will be leading the procession, accompanied by Brazilian drummers Bat2K baterria, youth leaders and local children including Northam 521 Club, Baseline, City Reach and Beavers.

Other activities include sumo wrestling, a mobile animal farm, penalty shoot out, bouncy castle, and drumming workshops and the Co-operative Group and Central Neighbourhood Partnerships will also be taking full advantage of the festival by hosting marquees for community groups and services to have displays in.

n To find out more about this year's St Mary's Festival contact Rebecca Williams on 023 8033 0869 or e-mail stmarysfestival@hotmail.com.