Salsa by the river

Rio is Portuguese for river - and this weekend sees a little bit of Rio hit the river. There's a little Latin spirit in everyone allegedly, so unleash your passionate side at the

The festival celebrates the music and dance from the many countries of South America and opens the Summer Season of events on the Embankment.

Musical entertainment includes King Salsa, a power house salsa ensemble whose music is described as New York 'Melting Pot' with its strong jazz influence, Ritmos da Cidade (Rhythms Of The City), an afrorythmic street band of up to 35 people playing Samba from Brazil, Grupo Sambando, a five-piece band playing Pagode and Choro - two genres of Samba that are rarely heard live in the UK - and a whole host of other samba and salsa bands.

Together with dance troupes, drama and art, the day promises a riot of colour, sound and food by the river. And as if all this wasn't enticing enough, the whole day is free!

Latin American Fiesta da Cultura, Victoria Embankment Gardens, Villiers Street, WC2, Sunday 26 May 2002, 2pm-8pm.

For more information, call 020 7375 0441 or visit HERE