Organisers of one of Maidstone’s biggest summer events think its 30th birthday is worth celebrating so much, they have decided to give it a second day.

The Maidstone River Festival is normally a one-day event in July.

Among the highlights this year will be a family-orientated cafe culture-style event in the lower High Street, to join the town centre with the events organised along the River Medway in Maidstone.

It will be festival chairman David Knight’s final event in the role and he is hoping it will be one to remember.

Organisers expect more than 25,000 people from across the south east to attend the two days of river-themed fun, which will climax with a grand firework display.

Two live music stages will be by the river over both days, as well as two dance stages and performances of music and dance at the Amphitheatre stage.

One of the popular annual fixtures, the raft race, will also be returning, as will the illuminated boat parade.

There will also be a French market, street entertainers and a fun fair.

Mr Knight, who said there would be an eighties' theme this year, said it was a special year as it was its 30th anniversary.

“It’s probably the worst economic time to do this, but it is also exactly what we all need to lift spirits and have something positive to look forward to.”

The free event is funded through sponsorship and organisers are all volunteers. So far 10 sponsors have been found.

• If you would like to sponsor the event, or for information, visit www.maidstoneriverfestival.com or call 01622 792222