THOUSANDS of music lovers will descend on Southampton Common today as the fourth annual Common People Festival gets underway.

Around 20,000 revellers are expected over the two-day music festival which includes performances by Lily Allen and James this evening with iconic Motown band The Jacksons headlining tomorrow.

Today has been dubbed the ‘Singalong Saturday special’ with sets from chart- toppers All Saints, The Sherlocks, Jaguar Skills, The Cuban Brothers, Elvana: Elvis Fronted Nirvana and Plastic Mermaids.

Sunday looks set to sparkle with thousands donning 70's -style fancy dress and basking in the dazzling reflection of what is officially The World’s Largest Disco Ball. Disco divas will be dancing to sets from the late Prince's backing band The New Power Generation, as well as Sparks, Boney M, Snap!, FooR, Jungle Brothers and Hak Baker.

Organisers have pulled out all the stops to make this year's festival a really inclusive family event with everything from circus workshops, a vintage fun fair and bouncy castle to kids bushcraft, falconry and Punch and Judy lined up.

The latest weather forecast is for a series of thunderstorms and rain showers and hot and humid conditions. So it could mean packing raincoats and waterproof ponchos along with sun cream and shades on both days.

But organisers say any downpours will neither dampen the party atmosphere or put any of the planned events at risk.

A Common People Spokesperson said:“All weather conditions are factored into Common People planning and provisions are in place for all eventualities. The forecast is changeable but we don’t anticipate any disturbance to the festivities. "

They added: "We’re looking forward to kicking off a typical British Summer in style."

They have also advised festivalgoers to check the list of prohibited items at http://southampton.commonpeople.net/tickets before setting off.

Organiser, Rob da Bank, said: "Much like other festivals you can't bring your own food and drink in, but it's going to be a hot weekend so obviously you can bring sealed bottles of water in, which you may need if queuing."

Tickets are still available and can be bought on line or on the day from the box office.