LEGENDARY Australian entertainer Rolf Harris is to return to star in Eastleigh Summer Music Festival.

The signature of everyone's favourite Aussie has already been clinched for a glittering musical showcase - after he asked to come back next year.

The festival is also to have a bigger stage as plans are being made to switch the week-long festival from the Leigh Road Recreation Ground to the town's Fleming Park.

Rolf is such a big draw and cult figure on the festival circuit that to get him back to Eastleigh is a massive musical coup for festival organisers.

It also comes as the multi-talented entertainer is marking a major milestone in his career.

Over the weekend millions of TV viewers watched as Rolf celebrated his 50th anniversary in showbiz with a spectacular show at the Royal Albert Hall.

Last year Rolf brought Eastleigh's first summer music festival to a rousing end when he played to a packed audience in the festival big top.

Festival organiser Peter Chegwyn said: "Rolf had such a wonderful time that he wanted to come back. It is lovely that he has asked to come back and it is becoming like Rolf's Last Night at The Proms."

Rolf is expected to be part of a galaxy of stars for a festival programme which promises to be bigger and better.

On Thursday night the Eastleigh Council Executive will be asked to approve the principle of the summer music festival being staged at Fleming Park between July 26 and August 1.

Subject to the council agreeing satisfactory terms, it is also being recommended that Sound Bass should again organise the event.

Last year's festival, which was a huge success, attracted up to 40,000 people and along with Rolf other star names included Bob Geldof, Jools Holland and The Drifters.

In a report to the council Executive, deputy chief executive Roberto Tambini said there had been concerns regarding the possible extent of noise disruption to properties in the area of the Leigh Road Recreation Ground.

However, he said that the actual complaints received were very few.

He added: "While Leigh Road Recreation Ground worked well as a site it was felt that Fleming Park would be more acceptable for any future events."