Hip hop trailblazers Arrested Development and soul and gospel legend Candi Staton are among the line-up for the three-day Margate Soul Festival this weekend.

There will be more than 100 DJs across 10 venues with an all-star international line-up taking over the town from Friday, August 4 to Sunday, August 6.

Taking in the old town, market, Winter Gardens and harbour, the event promises non-stop music, with proceedings kicking off at 2pm on Friday, August 4, and is expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors.

This year sees an improved Sunset Stage, an outdoor arena which overlooks the sea, as well as free family friendly street performances, DJ-led carnival street parties and a mix of club nightlife. The Saturday line-up also includes Italian Latin, jazz and bossa nova artist Gerardo Frisina. Acts include Arrested Development, Gwen Dickey of Rose Royce, Trevor Nelson and the Blackbyrds.

Added to this, there will be free activities taking place across the Old Town from noon on Saturday and Sunday, including for the first time, a spoken word, open mic and workshop corner at the all new Beet Bar.

Spoken @ Margate Soul Festival features some of the biggest names to headline Margate’s Soul Food and Street Sonnets poetry night. Festival founder Eli Thompson said: “It has gone from strength to strength, in spite of the tough times Margate has experienced and continues to grow. Our partner Mi-Soul Radio has been a welcome voice projecting a consistently positive image of our town.”

Tickets cost £66 for the weekend and range from £27.50 for a Friday day pass to £44 for a day pass for Saturday or Sunday.

To book call the Margate Winter Gardens box office on 01843 292795 or go to margatesoulfestival.co.uk. You can also visit the Facebook page here.