A music festival which was under serious threat is set to take the stage this Bank Holiday weekend.

Ashford’s Festival in the Park will be held in Civic Park from Friday (August 25) at 7pm and will run until 11pm on Sunday.

The long-running event was almost cancelled after organisers were hit with unexpected costs to rent out the field, which they have usually used free of charge.

Vernon Seager and Edward Lockett, who have organised the festival 14 times over 18 years, felt it was unfair to have to fork out thousands to hold the free event and said they had no intention of charging people.

But, it was saved after Find a Voice – a charity which provides a range of programmes and resources for people of all ages with communication and/or learning difficulties – offered to take on the administration of the event.

As a charity, Find a Voice can pay minimal costs, and Ashford Borough Council (ABC) advised on possible grants for the festival.

The event has previously relied on donations from businesses and the public, with performers and volunteers giving their time for free.

Festival in the Park has been running since 2005 and organisers say they are thrilled it will be making its return after a few years hiatus.

Speaking ahead of the weekend, Mr Seager said: “It was touch and go whether this year's event would go ahead, but myself and Edward Lockett have teamed up with Sam Griffin from Find a Voice who has taken the festival under her wing to enable the festival to forge forward.

“Not only will the stage be filled with local musical talent, but the funfair will also be on site along with a beer tent, food vendors, local charity stalls, face painting and even a sensory story tent for the younger revellers.

“We have seen a bigger contribution from local people than ever before and the spirit of this being a community event has grown enormously since we managed to rescue it.

“A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to make this happen and we really couldn’t do it without the support we have received.

“The team are thrilled that the festival is back and would like to thank all those who have supported the festival's return.”

Neptune Bars/Romney Brewery will have a beer tent and food courtesy of Wild Souls Kitchen, Jay’s Soul Food, Janners Catering, and Bakers Hive will be available.

Local charities including Accessible Coders, RSPCA Cattery Ashford, Well-Edu nurture Learning and joint festival hosts Find A Voice Ashford will also be at the park.

Other small business stalls include Bluebell Pet Care, Mother Hen Art, Festijewel, Burning Desires Pyrogprahy plus many more.

The festival is free and is on 7pm until 11pm on Friday, and then from midday until 11pm Saturday and Sunday.

Free car parking will be available at the Flour Mills car park on East Hill on Saturday and Sunday.