The music of the world converges on Ilford from Friday for three days of the inaugural London International Arts Festival.

Fourteen music and dance acts from countries including India, Mexico, Serbia and Britain will take to the stage over six concerts at Redbridge Town Hall in High Road, Ilford.

The festival, which is organised by Dhruv Arts of Ley Street, Ilford, attracted applications from 1,800 artists worldwide.

These were whittled down to the current line-up by curator and Indian violin virtuoso Jyotsna Srikanth.

Highlights include Dr Balamuralikrishna, a maestro of Indian music who headlines on Saturday, and the Serbian jazz band EYOT, who play Friday’s evening concert.

Compere DJ Ritu said: “The acts have been lovingly handpicked, not hired out of habit or nepotism, as often happens on the live music circuit.”

Other performers include South Indian vocalists Carnatica Brothers, indie-folk performer Anja McCloskey and the Pushkala Gopal Dance Group .

There will be four workshops on Saturday at Vine Church hall, Holstock Road, Ilford, and the town hall’s Lambourne Room will be freely open to the public for Asian cuisine and stalls.

Prices for individual concerts start from �8 with day and weekend passes available.

Visit www.liaf.co.uk for tickets.

It is supported by partners including Arts Council England and Redbridge Council.