The first wave of bands has been announced for next year’s Maid of Stone Festival.

The three-day rock festival, which made its debut in Maidstone this summer, has revealed that ‘90s band Mr Big will be headlining in July.

The American band, best known for hit singles To Be With You and Just Take My Heart, will return to the UK in what is expected to be one their last shows in the country at the end of their final Big Finish tour.

The group will be performing songs from their extensive back catalogue, which includes nine studio albums, with particular focus on their breakthrough album Lean Into It, released in 1991.

The Maid of Stone line-up also includes Those Damn Crows, who have performed at Download Festival, former Iron Maiden and Wolfsbane singer Blaze Bayley and Scottish band Gun who are celebrating the 30th anniversary of their album Swagger.

Also appearing at next year’s festival will be Tyketto, Preacher Stone, Jared Hames Nichols, When Rivers Meet, The Commoners, As December Falls, South of Salem and White Raven Down.

Festival booker Chris Wright said: “We set the bar pretty high for a new, independent rock festival in 2023 and it’s been hard work to ensure we not only grow but improve in every way we possibly can.

“We’re so excited to have Maid of Stone return in 2024. It’s our ‘difficult second album’ but we’re all focused on delivering a mind-blowing event, and with this first announcement we have staked our flag in the sand. Maid of Stone is back – and it’s here to stay.”

The festival organisers have also confirmed that a further 25 bands are expected to be announced ahead of the event.

The New Blood Stage, which features up-and-coming unsigned bands, will also return next year, as well as a number of bars and food stalls, a VIP chillout area, street entertainers, a signing tent, axe throwing and camping and glamping options.

The festival takes place from Friday, July 19 to Sunday, July 21 at Mote Park in Maidstone. Tickets are on sale now and can be booked online here.

Weekend tickets start from £119 plus booking fees.