THE biggest reggae festival in the Midlands is set to take place in scorching temperatures this weekend.

Handsworth reggae legends Steel Pulse are headlining the Simmer Down Festival on Sunday.

It will be the first time the Emmy award winning reggae band have played in Handsworth in 30 years.

Amlak Tafari, Steel Pulse bassist, said: "Everyone in the band are looking forward to this homecoming gig at the Simmer Down Festival.

"We are constantly touring the world so to play a gig in Birmingham where we all have friends and family will be unforgettable."

Selwyn Brown, from Steel Pulse, added: "The pressure is on because we all want to put on a great performance for our home crowd."

Pass the Dutchie stars Musical Youth and million selling Apache Indian are just two of other artists performing at the free festival in Handsworth Park.

Simmer Down's creative director Mukhtar Dar added: "This is the biggest event we have ever staged, last year's was brilliant and with Steel Pulse headlining it promises to be one of the best days of the year."