Stars of the Hip Hop scene will be on the mic in Medway this weekend at a college music festival.

The event at Brompton College is one of two major music events organised to put Medway's claim as a culture capital on the map.

First up will be the inaugural Medway Mela at the Black Lion Leisure Centre, Gillingham, on Saturday.

The free event has been organised by the Medway Gurdwara Council in partnership with the arts company Cohesion Plus.

Highlights will include performances by bhangra artist Jassi Sidhu, who will be performing tracks from his new album. Bhangra stars BEE2 and Taj-E, rapper Maximus and Bollywood dancers Saheli will also be appearing.

Alongside the performances on stage, there will also be displays and information available on a wide range of local services including Kent Police, the Environment Agency and the Medway Gurdwara Council, as well as food stalls.

* The Mela is at the Black Lion Leisure Centre, Mill Road, Gillingham from 6.30-10.30pm on Saturday. Admission is free, but you must get a ticket in advance. Call Bill Bhatia on 07790190815.

The Medway Mela will include performances by bhangra star Jassi Sidhu

Stars of the UK hip hop, R&B and soul scene will also be performing in Medway this weekend.

Arjun & Kee, PGP, Ebonie, NXG and Foot Soldiers are just some of the guests appearing live on stage at the official launch of the Medway BME youth forum.

The free event takes place this Saturday, 25 October at New Brompton College, Gillingham between 11am and 4pm.

There will also be dance workshops and face painting taking place throughout the day. One lucky competition winner will be going home with a Nintendo Wii.

For more information phone 333880.