A waterfront festival that attracts thousands of visitors is set to return this summer.

Crowds are expected to once again gather on Maidstone’s riverbanks to watch raft races and floating displays take to the water.

The Maidstone River Festival has been a staple of the county town’s summer calendar for more than 40 years.

The raft race is the much-anticipated highlight of the event and, this year, it kicks off at 2.30pm from the High Level Bridge.

Competitors will be paddling down the 650-metre stretch of the River Medway, all the while being cheered on by onlookers, until the winner is crowned at Archbishop’s Palace.

After the thrilling race has finished, crowds can disperse throughout the town and enjoy some of the festival’s many activities, including the live music and a craft market at Lockmeadow.

There will also be family games and entertainment at Archbishops Palace Gardens, visits to the bell tower at All Saint’s Church and music at Draysons Bar.

When the sun goes down, the action returns to the river where there will be a display of illuminated boats and paddleboarders from 9pm.

To round off the night, the award-winning Firmin Family Fireworks are back for another spectacular fireworks finale from the top of Fremlin Walk.

The fireworks start at 10pm and are expected to last around 10 minutes.

You can find the full festival schedule here.

The Maidstone River Festival takes place on Saturday, July 27 and is free to attend.