Wonderful crowds, amazing guitar solos, dazzling drummers and incredible vocals - if you’re a rock fan Maid of Stone would have been right up your street.

With tasty food stalls, cool jewellery stands and talented bands the Mote Park-based three-day festival was something everyone could enjoy.

After being announced at the end of last year, the new weekend festival made its debut in Maidstone last Friday and finished up on Sunday, July 23.

There was a line-up of guitar heroes and rock ‘n’ roll legends performing. The festival, named after the county town, had headliners such as Glenn Hughes, who performed a string of Deep Purple Hits, and Australian outfit Airbourne.

They were joined by the likes of The Hunna, Skindred, Orange Goblin, the Cold Stares, Robert John and the Wreck, the Hot Damn and more.

The staff at the event, from the security team to steward helpers, were all wonderful and a real credit to the event.

Any questions or woes you had were dealt with and sorted in an instant.

The food, from huge hot dogs and burgers, to noodles and even fresh churros, was also to die for and perfect to munch on in between sets.

There were also a few bars and cocktail stands dotted around the festival with a variety of drinks for sale that would tickle anyone’s fancy.

But let’s be honest, we’re all really here for the music and what a line-up there was.

Attending on the Sunday the first band we saw was Florence Black, a group from south Wales.

With brilliant drumming and types of guitar playing I’d never even heard of before I was blown away.

It was an incredible performance that got the audience involved in a lot of head-banging and a wonderfully polite mosh pit.

We then went to an inside tent where Unknown Refuge was playing.

The four-man group was full of incredible talent. They began making a name for themselves during the pandemic with their debut album From the Darkness.

With three guitarists and a new drummer, the Bolton band had definitely picked up a new fan group in Maidstone.

They truly were mesmerising to watch. The rock community is honestly one of the loveliest I’ve ever been involved in.

The people visiting the event made the experience even more awesome. It was even family-friendly with some parents bringing their little kiddies along.

Armed with ear defenders the youngsters were having just as much fun as the old schoolers around them.

There was also a programme of activities for all ages across the weekend, including axe throwing, archery, music workshops and a Harley Davidson display.

For those that choose to, there was also a camp for the weekend, with a campsite with toilets, showers, phone charging stations and three distinct areas - general, quiet and family nearby.

Camper van pitches were also available and there is even a clamping option with pre-pitched luxury bell tents for an additional cost. For more information click here. Day tickets started from £28 and weekend tickets started from £139.

Although Maid of Stone is over for this year I’d definitely recommend adding next year's dates to your calendar.

With bustling crowds, good music and fun stall sellers what more could you want? I’ll definitely be coming back!