A CELEBRATION of regional, national and international cultural diversity will be staged in the North-East next month.

The show, Spotlight at Newcastle City Hall, at 7pm on Saturday, July 3, is to launch the North East Cultural Diversity Arts Forum (Nedcaf).

The forum's aim is to promote unity through arts and culture, bringing together the South Asian, Chinese, and Afro Caribbean community arts forums.

One of the headlining acts will be contemporary dance company Sakoba Dance Theatre - whose original choreography combines dance styles and influences from around the world, while staying true to African cultural traditions.

Sakoba's artistic director Bode Lawal said: "The launch of NECDAF will heighten awareness of cross-cultural arts in the North-East, making it a strong focal point for artists and audiences alike."

Other acts on the Spotlight bill are the Nizami Brothers, Shamshad Khan and Xiaoshan Wang, a Durham-based Mezzo soprano. Mr Shah, chairman of the forum and the Pakistan Cultural Society, said: "The launch of Nedcaf is going to bring a major change, and a fundamental commitment to the promotion of cultural diversity in the region."

Spotlight has received support from Arts Council England's decibel initiative and the Northern Rock Foundation.

To join in the celebrations call 0191-261 2606 and for more information on Spotlight, or Necdaf call GemArts on 0191-440 4124.