Bellydancers, gospel choirs and youth salsa dance troupes are just some of the acts on offer at the upcoming Thornton Heath Festival.

Now in its third year, the annual event promises to be bigger and better than ever before, showcasing regional musical talent as well as helping to raise awareness of local businesses.

Running from midday till 6pm on Sunday, September 5, the free event has been staged to help raise funds for local projects, such as the fitting of the area's Christmas lights.

The live music portion of the event includes performances by the returning Adam Hughesy, a gospel choir from Croydon's Church of God Seventh Day and an R&B showcase by UK Talent Train.

Other more unusual and culturally diverse performances include sets by 'Louise the Bellydancer' and the Salsa Children's Dancers.

In addition, a local Fun Fair will provide a handful of rides to keep children entertained.

The event is being sponsored by the Blue & Orange Café Bar in association with the Thornton Heath Business Partnership and will also feature a number of stalls offering goods produced by local firms.

Festival Chairman and the event's Master of Ceremonies, Peter Lewis said: “This year's event is the most exciting and diverse that we have ever hosted and I am confident that the crowds we see this year will better than ever.

It is fantastic for Thornton Heath to see all these acts pouring out onto their doorsteps and we have had wonderful support from the local business community.

“Every year the Thornton Heath Festival has become progressively larger and we have packed this year's with a greater variety of singers and performers than ever before – and it's still growing.

“In fact, we have so many – I may just have to start things off early.”