A MASS pop concert featuring world famous acts will “put Southampton back on the map” it was declared last night.

The city council's leisure boss said Common People on Southampton Common - revealed exclusively in yesterday's Daily Echo - would bring back memories of major events previously held in the city such as Power in the Park which attracted 50,000 music fans each summer.

Organisers of Bestival and Camp Bestival are the team behind the two-day Common People event which has got backing from civic bosses.

Details about who will appear are still yet to be confirmed but with Stevie Wonder, Amy Winehouse and the Chemical Brothers as previous headline acts at Bestival revellers can expect a big name to headline the festival in May.

Southampton City Councillor Satvir Kaur, cabinet member for communities and the council's representative on the project said Common People would remind her of when Power in the Park was a regular fixture on Southampton's cultural calendar.

She hoped to see a mixture of current pop artists and classic acts.

She said: “I think it's amazing for the city and will help put Southampton on the map.

“I think it's going to be very positive for the city, both for those inside the city and those outside. I know that Bestival are really committed to working with community groups.

Daily Echo: Satvir Kaur

Cllr Satvir Kaur

“My teenage years were spent at Power in the Park. It's an amazing atmosphere, and it really does bring people together from all walks of life.”

Arthur Jeffery, president of Southampton Common and Parks Protection Society (SCAPPS) said he would be glad to see the Common put to good use.

He said: “We're quite happy for the Common to be used fully but the contract should include making the land good afterward.

“The city council does make profits from these events. We feel that some of that should be ploughed back into maintaining parks and open spaces.”

Daily Echo:

Arthur Jeffery

Common People organiser and former Radio 1 DJ Rob da Bank said further announcements would be made in the New Year.

Speaking to the Daily Echo he said he was “absolutely delighted” to be bringing the festival to Southampton.

He said: “I did my first ever DJ gig in Southampton at the Rhino Club. That was the start of my Bestival journey. I have had an amazing career and we want local bands to play in the park.”

The festival, which has been billed as a combination of Bestival on the Isle of Wight and Camp Bestival in Dorset, will be held on May 23 and 24.

Daily Echo: Bestival organiser Rob da Bank.

Rob Da Bank

Organisers are asking people to use public transport to get to the event rather than their own transport.

Already people have been coming forward to provide help with staff at Richard Taunton Sixth Form College in Hill Lane offering the use of their car park.