It might only be July but organisers of this weekend’s Tentertainment are bringing a winter wonderland of Christmas to the free family music festival.

For the first time, there will be a ski lodge at the information centre complete with snow, Christmas trees, lights and seasonal songs.

One of the organisers of the festival, Jo Sollis, said: “People can step into a place that’s a world away from the summertime outside to buy CDs and T-shirts from their favourite bands and get information on acts.

“We’re hoping this will be a popular meeting point as well as a lot of fun.”

Tentertainment kicks off on Tenterden recreation ground tomorrow (Friday) at 6pm and runs until Sunday.

Jo said: “We are hoping for good weather but have made provisions.

“We have a huge marquee for the beer and hog roast with plenty of seating plus another one for the children’s activities.

“If it is too hot, people can come in and get shade or if it rains there is somewhere to go.”

Tentertainment is supported by donations and for the first time the organisers feel confident enough financially to donate to charity.

Money dropped in collection buckets will be split between the Caldecott Foundation and the Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People in Surrey, which is raising money for a new neurological rehabilitation unit.

The festival starts that night with a battle of the choirs when five local singing groups will be fighting it out for the top slot.

Jo said: “We always wanted to support charities, and now we can. Tentertainment is supported by the people of the town and we hope they will remember that and put donations in the collection buckets.”

Also performing tomorrow are Gentlemen of Few and The Standard Lamps.

Musicians on stage on Saturday include Matt Wills, Rhonda & The Great Unknown, Daniel Glover and the Sugar Sisters.

On Sunday, there are performances from Homewood School pupils, Orfila and Beth Wilson among others before CoCo and the Butterfields bring the festival to a close.