Nearly 3,000 music-lovers watched as a freak gust of wind ripped off part of a stage roof.

The drama happened at the charity music festival Iwade Rock near Sittingbourne on Saturday.

A witness said: "One minute we were watching a touching video about Ellie's Angels and then there was a sudden gust of wind which seemed to come out of nowhere.

"There was a strange ripping sound and then part of the stage's roof flew into the air and landed backstage. Luckily no one was in the way."

Colin Umbers of Sittingbourne-based Triple A Events, which supplied the stage, lights and sound, said: "Luckily, no one was hurt."

The flying roof was immediately secured backstage.

Apart from that, the day-long festival organised by husband and wife team Keith and Nicola Reynolds and their Team Tango volunteers was hailed a success.

Mr Reynolds, 45, a construction manager by day and a DJ at weekends who also runs the Iwade Herons under-15s football team, said: "I just want to thank everybody who, attended, sponsored, volunteered, performed, cleared up or enjoyed the event. It was our most successful one yet."

He added: "Our aim was to make the day memorable, affordable and fun."

They were also raising money for Mind Mid Kent and Ellie's Angels which was set up following the death of 16-year-old Sittingbourne schoolgirl Ellie Paine who was hit by a car while she was jogging.

Money is yet to be counted but it will be handed over next month.

All performers gave their time free.

The show opened with The Sonic Slaves followed by Herne Bay singer guitarist Dave Shepherd, originals band The Lost Search Search Party from Medway on their first gig of the year and Echo 90 with Sheppey bassman Paul 'Doc' Fox and Faversham singer Mandy Shields playing before dashing off to the Diver's Arms in Herne Bay.

Eight-piece funk band The Choos featuring Iwade's Andy Benn and Sheppey's Sophie Tuck-Brown on lead vocals and a top-line brass section blasted all before them with a stunning set starting with Stevie Wonder's Superstition and included Respect, We Are Family, September and Le Freak.

DJ Paul Reynolds, Paul's brother, whipped up the crowd with party favourites The Conga, YMCA, The Macarena and Oops Upside Your Head for headliners Marylebone Jelly.

The local lads opened with We Will Rock You and Let Me Entertain You before stealing the show with a two-hour non-stop set fronted by Ed Austin aided and abetted by music teacher Louis Newell on guitar, Dave Boulden on keyboards, Neil Ranger on drums and Chris 'Riggo' Payne on bass.

Afterwards Ed said: "We had a blast!"

Among those also soaking up the atmosphere was BBC TV Countryfile presenter Steve Brown from Sittingbourne.

There was also a funfair, stalls and dodgems although the ride was still being built as guests were arriving. Dodgem cars were ferried into the site one by one in the back of a van.

Iwade Rock will return in 2024.