The Rochester Sweeps Festival has become as much about music as it is about the tradition of Jack-in-the-Green. The May Day Bank Holiday celebrations attract musicians from far and wide. There is a packed schedule of gigs in Rochester over the weekend. Here are some of the highlights:

Friday, May 2

7.30pm Rochester Castle Gardens – Denny Laine with support from Ruby. Tickets £16.50

8.45pm The Man of Kent The Groanbox Boys

Saturday, May 3

11am to 4.30pm City Wall Wine Bar – Pigs Ear and guests

12.30pm Castle Gardens - The Dawgs

1.30pm Boley Hill stage – The Fabulous Fezheads

3pm Irish music session with Chris Taylor

4.14pm Boley Hill Stage - Prague Castle Orchestra

8.45pm Ye Arrow – JD and the Longfellows

10pm The Corn Exchange – Festival Ceilidh with The Climax Ceilidh Band Tickets £6

Sunday, May 4

11am–4.30pm City Wall Wine Bar – Pigs Ear and guests

12.30pm Castle Gardens – Medway musicians perform a tribute to the Byrds’ Sweetheart of the Rodeo

1pm Boley Hill stage – The Singing Loins 2.30pm Castle Gardens – Truckstop Honeymoon and The Groanbox Boys

7.30pm Rochester Castle Gardens – Show of Hands supported by Wheeler Street. Tickets £16.50

8.45pm Gordon House Hotel – Sur Les Docks and the Singing Loins

10pm-1am The Corn Exchange – Sweeps Ball with the Bursledon Village Band Tickets £6

Monday, May 5

12.30pm Gordon House Hotel – The Hot Rats

3pm – Expectations – Roy Golding