Thousands of people will be heading to Central Park again in less than a fortnight for the borough’s free weekend of family fun.

This year’s Dartford Festival line-up includes X Factor winner Matt Terry, The Christians, Space, Peter Hook & The Light, Ian Prowse & Amsterdam and many more.

The extravaganza of music, sport and entertainment takes place on Saturday and Sunday, July 15 and 16 in Central Park, 11am-7pm on Saturday and 10.30am-6pm on Sunday.

Away from the main stage there will be lots going on. You can check out the talents of local dance and drama groups on the community stage and explore the huge range of charity and commercial stalls.

Sports clubs, including Dartford FC, Dartford Valley Rugby Club and Dartford Cricket Club will be running taster sessions

A wide range of food and drinks can be bought on site with a variety of catering vans and licensed bars, or you are welcome to take a picnic.

Cllr Jeremy Kite, leader of Dartford council, said: “Some local councils seem to be offering less and less when it comes to local celebrations but we’ve worked hard to build the reputation of the Dartford Festival.

“Once again, we’re delivering a great mix of community groups, local charities, brilliant local performers and some of the country’s best loved live bands.

“The number of people attending just keeps on rising and we get lots of comments on how well organised it is and how it has a great ‘family feel’.

“We’re supporting more and more community events in and around our neighbourhoods but the Dartford Festival is a fantastic showpiece for the whole town.”

Everything you need to know, from the full line-up to this year’s admission policy, can be found at dartford.gov.uk/festival.

For updates on this year’s festival follow @welovedartford on Twitter or like the festival on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dartfordfestival.

Sponsors this year include Amey, Bluewater, Dartford FC, Fairfield Leisure, Hidsons, Jenner, KM Group, Mercedes-Benz, Meyer Homes, North Kent College, The Orchard Theatre, Orchards Shopping Centre, Pinnacle, Priory Shopping Centre, Prospect Place, WJ King, and Virgin Media.