EVESHAM will be full of eastern promise later this month when the town hosts its first Asian food and arts fair.

Billed as the only event of its kind in the West Midlands, the fair, to be held at the Workman Gardens on June 23, promises to tickle the tastebuds and awaken an interest in eastern art and culture.

Wychavon town centres officer Lew Hammond said: "This is going to be a terrific family day out with a difference. It will be culturally stimulating, great fun and will attract new visitors to the town, some of which we hope will take the opportunity to stay on into the evening."

Stalls will sell an array of Indian and Chinese dishes between £1 and £12 each.

For those who fancy trying their hand at something different there will be free workshops and demonstrations throughout the day in the ancient and elaborate art of Mehndi Hand painting. These will be taken by Nazreem Rajhabali, who is highly acclaimed as a mehndi artists.

Events kick off at 11am with performances by Dhol Bhusters Drumming, followed at 11.30am with the renowned Sonia Sabri and her Youth Dance Company. Between noon and 1pm visitors can enjoy the sound of the Sabri Ensemble playing traditional Indian and jazz music.

Mr Hammond said: "We expect anything up to 4,000 visitors to the fair and we suggest people bring a picnic and make a family day of it.

"There will be a mini-fair with roundabout and swingboat for the children and I'm told the traditional Indian desserts are not to be missed, but there will be lots of ice cream cornets and pop as well."

All the events are undercover in the gardens.

For further information call 01386 565373 or visit www.worcestershires-heritage-garden.org