Southampton's biggest free family festival will return in July.

The Mela Festival is a long-standing summer highlight in Southampton’s events calendar. Now in its 16th year, the festival is estimated to attract 25,000 people from along the South coast.

The Southampton Mela Festival will fill Hoglands Park (city centre park, near Debenhams) with a fusion of music, dance and family activities, all of an international flavour. The festival has built a reputation as a great family day out with plenty of entertainment and activities for young and old plus entrance is free, as are most of the family focused activities.

Festival organsiers, Art Asia, said: "We create a great day of music, dance and fun but it is truly the success it is because of the great atmosphere the people of Southampton create.”

The Main Stage offers a mixture of international musicians and dancers, whilst the World Stage features music from around the world as well as local acts. The bustling food-court offers dishes from all corners of the world and shoppers can browse numerous stalls offering handmade jewellery, clothing, arts and crafts. Meanwhile children of all ages can let off steam in a sports zone or get creative in the Activity Zone.

The Southampton Mela Festival takes place on Saturday July 14 from 12 noon until 9pm at Hoglands Park.

For more information visit www.southamptonmela.com.