A festival celebrating the diversity of Kent’s live music and venues returns for the bank holiday weekend.

The Maidstone Fringe Festival kicks off on Wednesday, April 26 and will see a line-up of acclaimed artists take over the town, including Public Image Limited bassist Jah Wobble.

An eclectic programme of indie, rock, punk, ska, pop, soul and tribute bands will be performing in pubs, clubs, halls and studios across the county town over the six-day event.

Jah Wobble and the Invaders of the Heart will be headlining this year’s festival with a performance at Studio 6, part of the Mandy Ellen Performing Arts School, on Friday, April 28.

The group, who formed in 1982 after the musician left John Lydon’s band Public Image Ltd - who have announced a gig at Dreamland later this year - will be playing a selection of hits from the bassist’s extensive back catalogue.

Also appearing at this year’s Fringe Festival is Medway-born multi-arts performer Wild Billy Childish and CTMF, Kent-based tribute group Toot ‘N’ Skamen and Maidstone’s own rock band One Day Elliot.

There will also be live music from David Migden and the Twisted Roots, Holly Henderson, Wez King, Dead Kites, Natalie Bouloudis, The Hysterics, the Joe Cox Band, the Pastel Waves, Tin Foil Astronaut, Band of Rogues, Sasha and the Shades and many more.

No matter what your tastes are, with more than 40 artists set to appear over six days, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

It’s not all about the music; the festival also boasts a selection of varied entertainment, including poetry readings, spoken word and exhibitions from local artists.

There are a bumper 14 venues taking part in this year’s festival, from pubs such as Market House and the Flower Pot to arts hubs such as Harmony Maidstone and Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre.

Shoppers can also stop and enjoy a spot of free entertainment as there will be pop-up performances in Jubilee Square and Fremlin Walk throughout the event.

You can find out more information about this year’s line-up here.

The festival runs from Wednesday, April 26 to Monday, May 1.