Organisers are promising the ultimate explosion of music, art and culture with the launch of the month-long BASS Festival this weekend.

Derby is one of four Midlands cities hosting dozens of events as part of the British Arts and Street Sounds Festival.

Performers and artists from across the UK, Europe, USA and South Africa will feature as part of the celebration, which has a hip-hop theme.

Master-classes, workshops, performances, exhibitions and installations are being planned to break down the misconceptions and myths that surround hip-hop.

BASS Festival is a unique cultural collaboration between Derby, Nottingham, Birmingham and Leicester. Music producer Baby J will be curating the Derby activities.

“We work to promote hip-hop all year round,” says the Derby-born artist. “But BASS gives us an opportunity to show the general public the real talent that exists within hip-hop culture.”

Venues in Derby will be playing host to four events that celebrate the five elements of hip-hop: MCing, DJing, beatboxing, B-Boying and graffiti.

“Each of the events is a platform for new talent, and by bringing together icons and role models to meet with and inspire local artists we hope to achieve that.”

Derby activities include a discussion about the role of women in hip-hopt, featuring musician Cookie, from The Cookie Crew, a graffiti convention, film night and the UK premiere of a theatre dance and music piece by leading UK B-boy Steady at Derby Dance.

A full schedule of events can be found at www.bassfestival.co.uk .