The county’s biggest inner-city music festival arrives in Canterbury this weekend – and it will include open-air performances for the first time.

The City Sound Project, which will take place at several venues across the city centre, will feature an outdoor stage at the Marlowe Theatre.

The Friars will be closed as the third annual event takes over the area from 3pm on Sunday.

More than 100 live acts including Gorgon City, Blood Red Shoes, George Ezra and The Voice’s Jamie Johnson will perform at 12 venues, including the Marlowe Studio and the 17th century Penny Theatre pub.

Wristbands will give festival-goers access to every City Sound Project venue throughout the weekend, with each playing host to genres including folk, house, acoustic and rock.

As well as live performances, there will also be a silent disco at the Brewery Tavern all weekend, giving revellers the chance to dance with wireless headphones on.

This year’s event has expanded to two days for the first time. Previous headliners include Bastille, Duke Dumont and Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip.

Spokesman Edd Withers said: "Our first ever two-day event has taken a huge amount of planning, but it's all going to be worth it for the calibre of the acts that have been booked."

To book tickets, which cost £30 for a day or £45 for the weekend, visit www.citysoundprojectuk.com