It must be one of Britain's strangest-named events but Chickenstock at Stockbury near Sittingbourne is moving up the pecking order of must-visit boutique music festivals.

The three-day bash is run by husband and wife David and Moya Taylor who are self-confessed festival fans.

"We travel all over the place and take notes of acts worth booking," said pony-tailed David, who has a 'proper job' as an engineer during the week.

Their research certainly paid off. The weekend's 31 acts, split over two stages, were all top-notch.

They included folk 'royalty' Sally Ironmonger and Brian Carter from Medway, Will Whisson from Sheppey, Swinging The Lead, Green Diesel, duo Whitherward, the Smokin' Pilchards (without their drummer) and Dave Sharp from punk band The Alarm.

Retro swing band Bamboozle from Birchington, featuring Jim Knowler from the Keytones on lead guitar, Serena Sykes on double-bass and Les Curtis on drums, brought the festival to a close on Sunday as the sun set over Stockbury.

It is the second year the Taylors have opened it to the public and the first they have held at Pett Farm. Past incarnations have been in their own back garden, usually to celebrate David's birthdays.

He admitted: "We would have liked a few more people but it was a nice atmosphere and very laid back."

The couple have lost money over the past two years but David said: "We are in it for the long-haul. With luck, it will break-even next year."

The event is licensed for 500. Saturday came close to that with 420.

The inflatable main stage had a great sound and lighting system. The smaller Rooster stage was used to try out predominantly local bands. Among those likely to gain a slot on the main stage next year are five-piece prog-folk ensemble Foot Down and Canterbury-based blues-boy Sam Brothers.

Chickenstock - the couple used to keep chickens - is already getting the vibe of Canterbury's former Lounge on the Farm which was one of the best until it grew too big. Tickets were £55 for the weekend. Under-18s went free.