Faversham’s biggest event of the year hits the town again this weekend as it returns for the 28th time.

More than 40,000 people are set to pack the streets and enjoy the Hop Festival extravaganza today and tomorrow as the town embraces a weekend of dancing, drinking and dining.

The annual two-day spectacle will see more than 50 bands and performers take to five music stages throughout the town.

The Spitfire Stage, in Market Place, will feature musicians including Joanna McGowan, Sarah McQuaid and a jazz orchestra as well as East End singalongs and music from a community opera.

Over on the Master Brew Stage in Preston Street, New Old World, Feral Ghost and rock orchestra The 286 will perform.

In Court Street, the Shepherd Neame Stage hosts acts including Flawless Carbon and Goosebumps while West Street’s Folk Stage and the The Hoppers Market Stage will each see 12 performers take to the mic.

A range of ciders, lagers and ales will be available at the festival, which is run by a dedicated group of volunteers and costs about £70,000 to host.

After starting in 1990, it has grown year on year, attracting thousands of people from across Kent and the country.

The usual favourite attractions, including eight morris dance performances in East Street and six in Stone Street, will all be on offer, along with a handful of new activities.

An expanded Harry the Hop family area in the Central car park will enable the younger generation a space to enjoy away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre.

The Abbey School Festival Village will return again with entertainment and music for the camping community.

The secondary school is the main designated car park, with parking costing £5 for the full day. From there, it will be a short walk into the town centre, or visitors can use the minibus service.

Despite the highlights of the festival, it does come with disruption as Preston Street, Market Street, Middle Row and Market Place will be shut, with partial closures in other roads. For the full lowdown on the town’s closures, click here.

To avoid unwanted frustration, organisers have warned motorists to avoid driving around the town looking for somewhere to park and instead use the designated car parks or catch the train.

Let us know how you get on at the 28th Hop Festival and send your pictures to favershamnews@thekmgroup.co.uk.