Spice Girls and Abba tribute acts will perform at a Canterbury music festival this summer - which is being headlined by soul singer Heather Smalls and Toploader.

The lead singer of M People has been lined up for Raise the Roof, which will take place in Dane John Gardens on July 20th and 21st, along with the alternative rockers best known for their top 10 hit Dancing In The Moonlight.

They will be joined by Wannabe, a world-famous Spice Girls tribute from Canada, complete with a six-piece band and platform shoes.

CBeebies star Mr Bloom and Abba Gold Tribute are also on the bill for the two-day event, which is raising money for the homeless charity Catching Lives, with more to be announced.

The concept is the brain child of Club Chemistry and Tokyo Tea Rooms owner Louise Jones-Robert, who said: "We want to create a couple of memorable days of for the whole family with a focus on providing money for the homeless."

"We see the work Catching Lives do every day. We know the importance of it and how the money we raise will go towards helping their objectives."

The family-orientated festival will also feature local bands, children's activities and street and gourmet food stalls.

Music lovers of all ages will also be able to enjoy a Nerf blasters arena, bubble football and skateboarding and musical instrument workshops

Catching Lives Trustee Jason Hanford said the charity was "delighted" to be co-hosting the event.

"The title fits our needs perfectly, not only will funds raised go towards the work we do, but our building is constant need of repairs – so we really will be raising the roof to help repair the roof," he said.

"Rough sleeping impacts on the city we all live in and we believe that working together as a community can make a difference. So we hope that through this the event, we can 'Raise the Roof' for all those in need."

Advance tickets start at £3 and can be bought at https://bit.ly/2D8xMxs.

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