THE city’s biggest free family festival is back.

The Southampton Mela Festival, which attracts about 20,000 people each year, returns to Hoglands Park on Saturday, July 16.

A long-standing highlight in Southampton’s summer events calendar, the event is now in its 14th year.

Organisers from Art Asia are promising a fusion of music, dance and family activities, all of an international flavour.

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of music and dance from South Asia and around the world, including Indian Classical, Bollywood, Folk, World Music, Asian Fusion, Flamenco and Bhangra.

The Main Stage offers a mixture of international musicians and dancers, whilst the World Stage features music from dozens of different countries as well as several South Coast acts.

The Mela’s bustling food court will tickle the tastebuds of visitors, offering dishes from all corners of the globe.

Shoppers can browse numerous stalls offering handmade jewellery, clothing, arts and crafts, some produced locally, others with an international twist.

Meanwhile children of all ages can let off steam in the Sports Zone or enjoy arts or get creative in the Activity Zone.

The festival has built a reputation as a great family day out with plenty of entertainment and activities for all ages, plus entrance is free, as are most of the family focused activities on offer.

Vinod Desai MBE, Art Asia chief executive and Mela programmer, told the Daily Echo: “Join us and friends for a day of free family fun.

“We would love you to come and enjoy an assortment of music and dance styles from South Asia and around the world, plus great activities for the family, international food and market stalls and a friendly atmosphere.”

Southampton Mela Festival runs from noon to 9pm.

The full festival line-up will be revealed later on this month.

Visit southamptonmela.com for more information about events on the day.