THE festival season kicks off in Southampton tomorrow with a two day knees-up, also known as Common People.

I'm as excited as the rest of the city as, after missing last year's shindig, this is my debut at the festival.

Rob da Bank always gives us a good party and I'm sure this bank holiday weekend will be no different.

As always, there's an intriguing mix of old and new - everything from international superstars used to gracing stages worldwide and performing to tens of thousands of revellers to up and coming acts for which this is their big break.

Southampton acts tick all those boxes this year, Saturday providing the perfect example as it opens with Wild Front, a local band who only formed a year ago but are tipped for big things and closing with Craig David, the worldwide pop and hip hop sensation and one of the city's biggest exports of all time.

Plus, of course, there will be all manner of weird and wonderful side shows in the usual Bestival mould.

I may be a Common People virgin, but I have high hopes for this weekend considering some of the frankly bonkers happenings I've encountered at Robin Hill Country Park on the Isle of Wight over the years.

I saw two brides in purple wigs marry at the inflatable church before having a bop at the silent disco.

We went from having a tea party with the cast of Alice in Wonderland one moment to dressing up as something from outer space the next.

That's not to mention thousands shouting Rabbit at the top of their voices as Chas & Dave rocked a tiny shack in a field, the roller disco or a workout with Mr Motivator!

Well, the inflatable church team are bringing us the world's biggest bouncy castle at Common People and Mr Motivator and Chas & Dave are on the bill, as well as the fabulous Duran Duran who proved a universal highlight of last year's Bestival Summer of Love.

Festival fun galore. Bring it on!

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