Opportunity is knocking for bands across Kent to take to the stage at next year's Ramblin' Man Fair.

Applications are now open for slots on the Rising Stage at the music festival in Maidstone next year, which takes place from Friday, July 19 to Sunday, July 21, 2019.

Though entries are welcomed from across the country, organisers say they particularly keen to hear from Kent-based bands.

Bruce John Dickinson from Brighton music college Waterbear will be shortlisting the bands, choosing 40 to go to the the Ramblin’ Man team, who will then pick a final line-up in the New Year.

The Rising Stage will run across two days, so there are more slots than last year.

There will also be a chance to appear on the Big Red stage, as well as a Wild Card slot, chosen by the Ramblin’ Man team.

Bruce has given some tips for bands entering, including bands who applied last year but can demonstrate progression, putting in the groundwork to build up an audience and following.

Professionalism can be demonstrated in areas including experience in pulling off a festival slot, such as fast changeovers - and of course showing talent, quality, originality and entertainment value.

If successful, bands can join a line-up which has previously included Saxon, Mott the Hoople and Europe.

The deadline for submissions is January 1, 2019.

To apply, email your EPK (electronic press kit) to risingstage@waterbear.io, with Ramblin’ Man in the message’s subject box. The EPK should include your biog, one video and links to your socials. Terms and conditions apply. If you haven’t got an EPK together, check out the WaterBear blog entry on how to put a package together and make use of it here and for more details of Waterbear visit waterbear.org.uk

To book tickets for the festival, which will be held in Mote Park, visit ramblinmanfair.com