London will host a three-month festival starting July around the capital's interaction with India's growing economy and popular culture.

Dubbed 'India Now', it will comprise of events, activities and festivals across London dedicated to Indian art, film, food, theatre, music and fashion.

The season will be launched on 15th July by the Mayor, along with an Indian and London artist, at a spectacular event designed to portray the theme of the 2007 programme: 'India and London - partners in globalisation'.

Some of the key events will be a three-week Indian-themed Trafalgar Square Festival starting 2nd August; the transformation of Regent Street into an Indian streetscape complete with music, spectacular sculptures, food and artisans; a fashion show in September at the V&A Museum called 'Fashion in Motion'.

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said the season was part of his programme for extending business and cultural links between the capital and India in 2007.

"India is not only one of the world's most important and rapidly growing economies, an emerging economic superpower, but it also has one of the world's most important cultures. In 2007, we are aiming to strengthen London's relations with India, building on the significant contribution that the Indian community - the largest minority national group in London - already makes to the economic, cultural and social success of the capital."

He added: "With the arrival of more Indian companies, India's cultural impact on London is going to increase further. India Now will be an opportunity to experience the richness of Indian culture and will underline the relationship London has with India."

BBC Asian Network and Zee Television will be key media partners for the three-month festival.

In partnership with Time Out magazine, the Mayor's office is also a producing a guide for India Now which will include listings of all the season's activity. The guide will be included with the magazine in early July.

The season will also incorporate ongoing events such as the annual London Mela in Gunnersbury Park; an exhibition at the British Museum celebrating 60 years of Indian independence; a showcase at Brunei Gallery of the exhibition: From Soho Road to the Punjab - 50 years of Bhangra Music, culture and style.

The ICA will hold 'Futureworld City: Mumbai Club Night' at the central London venue in August, while the annual BBC Proms have a segment dedicated to celebrating Indian music.

Cultural institutions and organisations participating in India Now include the National Film Theatre, V&A Museum, the South Bank and Barbican centres, Watermans, Thames Festival, the Institute of Contemporary Arts and Akademi.

Later this year the Mayor will be visiting both Delhi and Mumbai with a delegation of representatives from London businesses, with plans to open Mayoral offices in both cities.

Events listing (pdf): July, August, September.

India Now

15th July - 30th September 2007