REHEARSALS are well under way for the third annual Apna Bazaar.

And it looks set to be the best yet, with models, dancers and musicians from all cultures and backgrounds, preparing to star in the event, which promises to be a dazzling celebration of the town's diversity in business, culture and the community.

A full and colourful programme is lined up, featuring fashions ranging from period costume to silk saris and street wear, including a bridal scene, banghra, jazz and hip hop music.

There will be a strong focus on dance this year, with appearances from high-profile Manchester dance troupe, Jagged Entertainment, and semi-professional ballerina, 16-year-old Natalie Berry.

Natalie, who is from Prestwich, has accepted a scholarship to attend the Northern Ballet School, in Manchester, from September and will perform in the opening act of the Bazaar on Saturday, August 26, at Bolton's Albert Halls.

She said: "I read about the event in the Bolton Evening News and thought it'd be perfect for me.

"It combines my favourite things fashion and dance and it's a great opportunity to meet people from other backgrounds."

Part-time model, Shahrukh Khan, aged 20, studies accounting at Manchester University and was so keen to take part in the Bazaar that he travels from his home in Stoke for each rehearsal.

Shahrukh said: "A friend told me about it and it just sounded so original.

"I've never been part of anything like this before."

Programme director, Bipin Patel, who has been overseeing the hard work, said: "Rehearsals are going even better than expected.

"I'm very confident that it's going to be a great night.

"It's wonderful to see it all coming together."