The line up for this year’s Create Festival has been announced.

More than 40 bands, solo performers and DJs will play at the free annual music event in Ashford, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

In addition, two special gigs will be held at Revelation St Mary’s to kick start the festivities.

Acclaimed solo artist and former Supergrass frontman, Gaz Coombes, will return to the town centre church on Friday, July 24.

It is 20 years since Gaz hit national fame through the release of Supergrass’ debut album ‘I Should Coco’ with hits such as ‘Alright’.

He is responsible for 10 top 20 hits and six top 20 albums and last year covered The Kinks’ ‘This Time Tomorrow’ for a John Lewis advert, which celebrated the store’s 150th anniversary.

His one-off, ticket only show will feature tracks from new and past albums, including from his latest solo album ‘Matador’, released earlier in the year.

St Mary’s will also host a special gig, Roll With It, on Saturday, June 6 to commemorate 20 years of Create and sponsors Right Track Music’s business in Ashford.

Local acts have been commissioned to perform a unique collection of 90s British anthems; on the bill is The Standard Lamps, who have recently been supporting The Who on their 50th Anniversary Tour.

The Create Festival will then be held on Sunday, July 26 in Victoria Park and will include four stages, food stalls and entertainment.

Set to play on the main stage, sponsored by Ashford College, are Van Susans, Kaleidphone and Riskee & The Ridicule.

Other acts to perform include The Rash, Apidae, Red Light Runner, Arlet, Jefferson Duke, Tall Poppies and DJ Adam Dowling.

The headliners on the day however are being kept under wraps for the time being.

Create Festival organiser Chris Dixon said: “We are so happy with the line-up and pre-festival gigs, and we're blown away with the huge amount of applications we received to play at this year’s festival.

“All entries were judged by a panel of music experts including radio DJs, creative directors, venue managers and music promoters, all of which were very impressed by the high standard of acts."

He added: "We can’t wait to tell you who our headliners are for each stage.”

Entry to Create, which will be in the park off Jemmett Road, is free.

Tickets for the July 24 gig cost £18 in advance or £20 on the door, which will open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

Pre-sale tickets will be available on Wednesday, April 22 here and general sale will start on Friday, April 24 and will be available from revelationstmarys.co.uk.