A national arts festival will be unveiled to celebrate Manchester's hosting of the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

The Spirit of Friendship Festival is expected to be a huge multi-cultural event costing �10 m.

It aims to show the world the modern face of the Commonwealth, and to encourage people to take part in community-based events leading up to the Games next July.

The festival will be a key part of the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations.

'World stage'

Its strong community focus follows the touting of the 2002 sporting events as the 'friendly' Games.

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said: "The Spirit of Friendship Festival will combine sports, arts, culture and education to deliver a vibrant and unforgettable celebration of the largest Commonwealth Games to date and of the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

"The festival will be the most far reaching and inclusive national celebration in a lifetime.

"It will showcase on a world stage, dynamic and contemporary images of the Commonwealth in the 21st century and stimulate participation in a range of community-based projects."

Culturally, the festival promises performances ranging from international artists through to new talent and work with community groups.

Jo Hartley, the festival director, said: "The arts and culture programme will embrace music, dance, visual arts, theatre, literature, film and exhibitions.

"It will feature established and ground-breaking artists from UK regions and countries within the Commonwealth."