Kent’s biggest soul-inspired weekend is back with its most ambitious festival yet.

Margate Soul Weekend is set to have more than 40 DJs as well as live bands at venues across the town from Friday, August 1. Free live performances, stalls and activities will be held at The Piazza in The Parade, King Street Barnacles, Fort Hill, Black Cat and the Hoy.

Live acts on Saturday, August 2, include Chic tribute band Le Freak C’est Chic, performing all the band’s classic hits from 6pm.

Outdoors from 2pm, DJs will warm the crowd up for the soulful voice of Bashiyra from 4.30pm.

On Sunday, August 3, the entertainment begins at 1.30pm with global award-winning DJ Norman Jay. The European producer duo Cool Million will feature performances from modern soul artists Natasha Watts, Laura Jackson and Westcoast Soulstars from 4.30pm.

Ticketed evening performances take place at Westcoast Bar and Grill, the Black Club, Rokka, the Lighthouse and Morgans. Also on Sunday there’s a live appearance by UK Soul Jazz award winner Omar Lyefook from 7pm at Westcoast.

Wristbands for all evening activities at every venue cost £15 for Friday and Saturday nights, and £20 for all three nights. Call 01843 448595 or visit www.margatesoulweekend.co.uk

Dream times

During the Margate Carnival weekend on Saturday and Sunday, August 2 and 3, the Dreamland Trust will celebrate Dreamland's early origins in circus and parade.

There will be performances by Phases Studio at the Arcade, 2pm to 5pm on Saturday and noon to 5pm on Sunday.

The carnival parade stars from Westbrook seafront at 3pm on Sunday.

Visit www.facebook.com/margatecarnival