SOUTHAMPTON’S biggest free family festival returned to the city on Saturday.

Hundreds of community members descended on one of the city’s parks as colour, music and food kept visitors entertained.

Now in its 17th year, the annual Southampton Mela Festival, saw more than 30,000 head to Hoglands Park.

Organisers from Art Asia delivered a fusion of music, dance and family activities, with an international flavour.

Stilt walkers, elite circus performers from Rajasthan Circus Raj and jugglers entertained visitors around the site.

Visitors enjoyed Rangoli with Caroline Rackham, as well as music from big band Swing world, as well as marital arts workshops.

Art Asia Chair Dahla Jamil said: "It's really a collaboration of all the cultures here.

"Its all about diversity and inclusion in Southampton and the amount of help and support we receive from local people each year is fantastic.

"It is the only free festivals in Southampton and possible Hampshire," she added.

Solent University's Geeta Uppal who had been involved with the festival since it's inception 17 years ago said that it was great to se it grow from being only in a small section of the park to taking over the entire site.

She said: "It's an amazing collaborative effort that brings in people form all walks of life, and shows just how diverse Southampton is."