ART Asia is set to celebrate thirty years in Southampton with performances by 30 Ragas in 30 days during October.

Musicians will be popping up throughout the month in various locations across the city, including Bitterne Market, Ikea and on a Red Funnel Ferry!

A Raga is the essence of Indian classical music – meaning melody, harmony and colour. A Raga is connected with different times of the day or seasons and when performed at the suggested time reach their maximum affect.

A Raga film will also be shown as part of Southampton Film Week and one performance will be streamed online.

Art Asia has been promoting and producing arts from South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka) since 1981.

Vinod Desai, now an MBE for his work in the arts, spotted that talented local Indian musicians had no outlet for their creativity.

From the humble beginnings of weekly get-togethers for these artists, Art Asia has grown into an internationally-respected arts organisation with a Mela Festival which attracts up to 25,000 people every year.

Art Asia started its 30th birthday celebrations offering tickets in its spring season at 1981 prices and the celebrations continue this autumn with a special showcase night as well as the Ragas.

Vinod told Scene South: “30 Ragas in 30 Days is a great way to celebrate 30 years in Southampton and is a first. We have excellent, internationally renowned performers of the highest quality for everyone to watch for free.

“Hopefully people will come to the different venues and locations collecting the different experiences or just pop along to hear something new or indeed be surprised as they come across us. It is a very accessible way to enjoy music.”

l For a full list of times and locations see the Culture section of Friday’s Scene South