SOUTHAMPTON residents are expected to flock to Hoglands Park next month to sample the delights of Thai culture.

The Southampton Thai Festival will be returning for a weekend of entertainment on July 6 and July 7.

On Saturday the festival will run from 11am to 7pm and then on Sunday from 11am to 6pm.

The festival has been held annually since 2007 and brings revellers authentic Thai food, entertainment and culture for one “fun” summer weekend in the heart of the city.

Last year the thousands of people flocked to Hoglands Park which was awash with vibrant colours and tastes as the annual festival makes it mark again.

There will be entertainment for people of all ages with authentic Thai cuisine, traditional Thai dancing, costume show, Thai massage, boxing, cooking demonstrations, live-music, a children’s fun fair, a beer garden and a raffle, all on offer.

The festival aims to promote Thai culture and authentic Thai cuisine.

There is good news for beer lovers as the organisers are excited to announce that there will be traditional Thai Singha beer and Leo beer to enjoy.

Tickets are priced at £4 for adults, children aged between five and 12-years-old, £2 and children under five go free.

No advance tickets are available to purchase for the event and they can only be bought on the day.

Just one week later, Hoglands will be the site of another cultural event with the Mela Festival, a long-standing summer highlight in Southampton’s events calendar set to return.

Now in its 17th year, the festival is estimated to attract 25,000 people from along the South coast.

The Southampton Mela Festival will fill the city centre 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.