Heavyweight ska legends Bad Manners will be headlining the Dartford Festival this weekend.

The two-day free festival on Saturday, July 16, and Sunday, July 17, will be packed with music acts on two stages and a funfair throughout the weekend.

On the main stage will be 1980s singer Toyah, Bad Manners, The Hoosiers and 4th Impact, along with a string of other acts over the two days.

There will also be a Battle of the Bands throughout the weekend with local groups competing for a slot on the main stage.

This year the festival celebrates its 80th birthday. The annual shindig in Central Park has been providing free family fun since 1936.

Dartford council leader Cllr Jeremy Kite said:"For a decade or more we have worked hard to transform the Dartford Festival into one of the biggest and best free festivals in the south – the big stars, the big events and big fun for the family.

"Once again we are also giving a superb showcase to local and up and coming bands and performers."

Up to 25,000 people turned up for the two-day event last year, and this year the council are expecting to welcome even more. The extravaganza will also feature a fairground with £1 rides, a licensed bar and a 6D cinema.

Bad Manners, who play on the Sunday, are still led by feisty frontman Buster Bloodvessel and their show promises to be a non-stop party.

Bad Manners began in 1976 at a Stoke Newington comprehensive school and, particularly from 1980 to 1983, their star was in the ascendance with numerous hits including Special Brew and Lip Up Fatty clocking up 111 weeks in the music charts.

In 1996, Buster opened the short-lived Fatty Towers hotel in Margate which catered for holidaymakers and residents with huge appetites. It also hosted his 18-30 stone club.

For a full festival line up go to dartford.gov.uk/festival