A wave of musical talent is set to wash over the Thanet coast as the Wheels and Fins Festival returns.

It's an independent, boutique, music and action sports festival, staged in the picturesque setting overlooking the ocean at Joss Bay.

Now in its sixth year, the festival has a special element this year as indie rock band The Libertines, who recently set up a studio in Margate, will curate the third and final day of this year's event, on Sunday, September 9, which they have named Sharabang.

Not only that but the band will headline, closing the festival - and say it could be the last time to see them play live for the foreseeable future.

They have toured continuously since releasing their third album in 2015, but plan to focus on the Albion Rooms hotel, bar and studio in Margate after their gig this weekend.

Carl Barât, co-frontman with Pete Doherty, said: “This will make this last show very special indeed as it should bring this Libertines chapter to a close with a Sharabang.”

The band, who also are John Hassall on bass guitar and Gary Powell on drums, have been making themselves at home in Kent, recently announcing sponsorship of Margate Football Club.

Also playing at Sharabang will be Echo & the Bunnymen, Reverend & The Makers, Cockney heroes Chas & Dave and Manchester’s Cabbage, with poet and theatre maker Luke Wright compering throughout the day.

The opening day, Friday, September 7, will be headlined by a set from Faithless DJ and record producer Sister Bliss, with the dance stage being headlined by High Contrast.

On Saturday, September 8, rock band Feeder will headline with Sub Focus providing a DJ set on the dance stage, while on Sunday, September 9, the dance stage will be headlined by Example and DJ Wire.

Other artists performing throughout the weekend include Friction, Wide Eyed Boy, Frazer, Hey Charlie, Jess Bays, Josh Parkinson, Shapes, and the Boombox Experiment.

BESIDES THE SOUNDS

Besides the music, the cool vibes beside the sea include skateboarding, surfing and lifesaving demonstrations.

The skateboarding UK Mini Ramp Championships will be staged at the festival, with last year's event streamed live and getting live viewing figures of 270,000. This year there will be a junior competition too. Also on offer will be plenty of surfing - provided the surf's up - and stand-up paddle boarding.

JOSS BAY

Named after the smuggler Joss Snelling, Joss Bay beach has some of the finest sandy beaches in the county - and some of the best surf break.

A mecca for thousands of surfers and visitors in the summer months, the event also features beach yoga environmental workshops, and street food. Organisers expect to host some 5,000 a day over the three days.

DETAILS

The annual Wheels and Fins festival will be held at Joss Bay, Broadstairs from Friday, September 7 to Sunday, September 9. Tickets cost from £25 for day tickets to £165 VIP weekend, plus a booking fee. For details and to book go to wheelsandfins.co.uk