As many as 10,000 people are expected to flock to a three-day family festival that kicks off today.

The ‘Spirit Of Tenterden’ event will be held at Tenterden Recreation Ground and promises to be “bigger and better than ever”.

The festival launches today and ends on Sunday, July 2.

‘Spirit’, which is run entirely by local people, attracted more than 5,000 visitors last year.

This year, more than 70 stallholders and exhibitors are taking part, offering a “wide variety of treats for all the family”.

There will be a range of food stalls, selling everything from West African and New York deli food to barbecue and vegan and vegetarian options.

Furthermore, no fewer than 70 cask beers will be available, as well as cocktails, wine, Pimms, Prosecco and soft drinks.

Headlining the event today will be Fit2funk, the hugely popular soul and funk band.

Tomorrow, The Mighty Sounds - a “fantastic” seven-piece reggae and roots band – will take to the stage, with Violet Jive closing the festival on Sunday.

The arena will host a dog show on Sunday, as well as forces’ cadets and military vehicles.

For the first time, it will also be the setting for a Town Crier competition, open to all-comers and judged by Cllr Harry Hickmott, Tenterden’s own Town Crier.

Spirit is a not-for-profit event and costs more than £25,000 to put on.

The funds come from local authorities, sponsors and exhibitors.

The festival runs today from 4pm-10pm, tomorrow from 10am-10pm, and on Sunday from Sunday 11am-5pm