THE multi-cultural heritage of South Tyneside will be celebrated as part of the annual Cookson Festival this summer.

The "festival with a festival" has been organised by a partnership comprising South Tyneside Primary Care Trust, South Tyneside Council, The Customs House, the voluntary sector and members from the black and ethnic minority communities.

More than 5,000 people are expected to attend the event, which will be held in Bents Park, South Shields, on Sunday, July 6.

The Cultures Together festival will involve a celebration of culture through world music, drama, and arts, craft and information about different cultures in South Tyneside.

Senior health promotion specialist Joyce Sterry, who is a co-ordinator of the multicultural festival, said: "The purpose of the day will be to raise awareness of the multicultural and multi-faith makeup of South Tyneside through music, drama and educational activities."

Stereo Nation, a hybrid of Punjabi/Hindi with reggae and western pop sensibility, will headline the event.

Young people, community groups and artists have been involved in planning for the event by taking part in a series of creative arts workshops in schools and community settings.

Cookson Festival details are available from council buildings, libraries, leisure centres or online at www.southtyneside.info, or by or calling 0191-424 7985.