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R'N'B singer Lemar has announced he is to headline the free Rise anti-racism festival in the summer.

The Fame Academy star, who performed with Lionel Richie on his way to finishing third on the show in 2002, will take the stage in Burgess Park in Walworth on July 16.

It will be a busy summer in South London for Lemar, who is also appearing at Brockwell Park during the three-day Parklive festival in June.

At Rise, an expected crowd of 85,000 people will be able to hear the 2004 Brit Award winner bang out hits If There's Any Justice and Dance With You at the music and multicultural festival put on by the Greater London Authority.

South London Press, a media sponsor for this year's anti-racism event, has today launched a photographic competition to celebrate diversity in South London.

Festival plans were announced by London Mayor Ken Livingstone on Wednesday as he urged Londoners to stand firm against racism.

It is the fifth year he has supported the free festival - the biggest of its kind in Europe.

Also performing will be The Mitchell Brothers, proteges of The Streets' Mike Skinner, rising London star Kano and Massive Attack collaborator Horace Andy.

Mr Livingstone said: "London is one of the most diverse cities in the world and its different communities enjoy living side by side. Racist incidents have fallen 35 per cent in the last five years, but we cannot be complacent. There are still 35 race crimes in London every day.

"With this year's anti-racism festival we are urging all communities to rise against racism."

Milena Buyum, National Assembly Against Racism co-ordinator, said: "Rise will continue the essential contribution to fighting racism through the celebration of London's amazing diversity.

"As racist attacks in London are reduced, Rise will be a true festival of multicultural Britain and will help drive the racists back further."