This weekend sees one of the most unusual - and exciting - free festivals to have taken place for many a year.

London's O2 arena will be transformed into the 'Big Easy' this weekend, with a cultural spectacular celebrating the best of New Orleans.

The free (yes, free!) two day indoor bash is being staged to remind British music lovers of the lasting legacy of the Crescent City - and features some of its greatest musicians. Among them are Dr John, Kermit Ruffins, BeauSoleil, Buckwheat Zydeco, John Mooney, Marcia Ball and Rebirth Brass Band.

The festival, which gets underway at the dome tomorrow, also features a recreation of New Orleans' famous Bourbon Street, and cooking demonstrations — giving revellers a chance to taste, as well as hear, the delights of this great musical city.

The party coincides with the New Orleans Saints' official NFL game against the San Diego Chargers at Wembley on Sunday.

Welcoming the event, Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana Mitch Landrieu said: "We learned from our research that potential visitors to Louisiana, especially our international friends, wanted more information about what there is to see and do in the state.

"They especially want to know what Louisiana locals do for fun.

"We listened and we are bringing Louisiana's unique culture to London with the largest showcase of Louisiana sports, food, music and arts ever seen outside of the borders of the United States."

Quint Davis, CEO of Festival Productions, Inc.- New Orleans agreed, adding: "This is the largest gathering of Louisiana artists ever assembled for a festival outside of the United States. For about two years Festival Productions and AEG Live have considered producing a major international event showcasing Louisiana culture. With the scheduling of the Saints football game on October 26 by the NFL and the availability of AEG's state-of-the-art facility, we simply couldn't pass up this perfect opportunity to launch Festival New Orleans."

Stuart Galbraith, of Kilimanjaro Live, said: "New Orleans culture is some of the most famous and festive in the world. We are greatly looking forward to offering a complete New Orleans experience to London, and The O2 is the perfect place to present it."

Although the event is free, organisers are offering VIP tickets, with options including hotel and travel packages, travel on a clipper boat direct to The O2, access to VIP area, and Festival New Orleans Goody bags.

see www.TheO2.co.uk for full details and set times.