INTERNATIONAL jazz star Soweto Kinch is going underground, again.

The Birmingham born musician is staging his Flyover Show in Hockley after a four year break as he thinks his city needs it.

He said: "We had a fantastic few years doing it before but now we need to do it again."

Swinging cuts in the arts budget in Birmingham has seen several events cancelled and the Drum in Newtown has closed.

Handsworth Carnival has gone missing in action and the popular Simmer Down festival in Handsworth Park is even having a year off so lovers of Afro-Caribbean culture are left with few options.

Soweto said: "I think what the Flyover Show did was very important, we have a tradition in this city of showing off new talent.

"For instance Laura Mvula's first performance was at a Flyover Show and I am proud of that."

On Saturday, August 20 legendary Jamaican guitarist Ernest Ranglin will headline a bill which includes Basil Gabbidon, Eska, Ruben James, Alex Wilson, Call Me Unique, Knox Brown, Juice Aleem, TrueMendous, DJ Winchester, YounGod, Decip4life, Amerah Saleh, Affie Jam, Alisha KADIR, Jae Sosa and Trope.

Soweto added: "Curating the show is hard work, but it is very gratifying working with talents like Call Me Unique.

"I have been given some great ideas by artists too and this ensures that The Flyover Show is an artist led event."

The saxophonist, who has recently found a home on BBC Radio 3, is also working on new material with Handsworth hip hop artists from legendary group Pentalk.

He said: "I got two albums coming out soon, one is Nomagram which explores geometry and abstract themes and a hip hop album with the artists who I grew up with and keep me grounded, like the rapper Casey."

There will be live music, spoken word, graffiti art, break dancing, local food stalls and a host of arts & activities for all ages will be taking place at The Flyover Show 2016 from 12noon until 9pm.

The Flyover Show is, as it always has been, a free to attend and family friendly festival.

The festival is walking distance from Birmingham City Centre, The Flyover Show 2016 can be accessed via four subway tunnels, connecting the site to Soho Rd, New John St, Great Hampton St and Heaton St.