THOUSANDS are expected to flock to Eastleigh town centre this weekend for an annual celebration of Asian culture.

The Eastleigh Mela is an established multicultural festival and will be taking place at the Leigh Road Recreation Ground on Sunday.

Running from 11am to 6pm the free, family festival celebrates the diversity Eastleigh and is a highlight of the town's summer entertainment.

This year's event marks the festivals fourteenth year with the guest of honour being cricketing "legend", David Gower OBE.

Three stages will showcase music and dance from around the world, including countries such as China, Poland, India, Brazil and the Caribbean islands.

New this year, the park stage will feature the winners of “Eastleigh’s Got Talent” and “Hampshire Asian Community’s Got Talent".

A wide variety of international food stalls will add to the cultural mix.

With something to do for people of all ages, children’s activities include a climbing wall, a falconry exhibition as well as a fire engine to explore.

Contributing to the vibrant atmosphere will be Chinese lion dancers and exhibitions from Sikh and Chinese martial arts – all in the open arena.

Organised by Eastleigh Asian Welfare and Cultural Association (AWCA), Eastleigh Gurkha Nepalese Association and community radio station Unity 101, the one-day event aims to bring different cultures together as well as offering a day of family fun.

AWCA set up in 2002, with a view to meet the needs of the minority Asian community in Eastleigh, who were often isolated and had poor access to information about services and resources in the community and their place in it.

Last weekend Southampton Mela returned to the city.

Thousands of community members descended on Hoglands Park as colour, music and food kept visitors entertained.

Now in its 18th 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.