More than 8,000 people from across the world have helped to put Maidstone firmly on the clubbing map.

Party-goers travelled to the town from as far as Rome, Spain and America on Saturday for The Social festival.

It was the second time the all-day concert, which ran from 11am to 11pm, has taken place in Mote Park.

This year’s gig for over 18s boasted a larger crowd, better production and a line-up of well known of dance music DJs, including Carl Cox and organiser Nic Fanciulli, as well as an arena for local performers.

Mr Fanciulli, who grew up in County Town and now lives in West Malling, said: “I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved here in Maidstone. We’ve put on a really niche event with underground music and the support has been incredible.

“Last year, The Social was Maidstone’s secret but it’s grown into an international event now. We could have had more people but we’re not in it for greed. I just wanted to created something special in my hometown.”

Ben Pearce, who appeared in the charts with his hit What I Might Do, performed at the event. He said: "Nic has put on an amazing festival. There was a great atmosphere and everyone wants to have a good time, which is all any DJ wants."

Other artists on the bill included Route 94, Second City and Rob Cockerton, who regularly plays at Source Bar in Rose Yard, Maidstone.

Mr Fanciulli, a father-of-one, said no major issues were reported, which Kent Police confirmed, but explained a fault with bar equipment meant customers faced a long wait during peak time.

In a statement, a spokesman for the festival said: "We want to apologise for the long queues for the long queues at the bars on Saturday. This is was due to some unforseen technical problems with the temporary draught taps which, despite everybody's best efforts, could not be fixed. Heineken has apologised for this issue and we will be working together to ensure a faster service next year."

The festivities were not welcomed by everyone. Maidstone council received 10 complaints about noise and five concerning litter and parking.

Environmental officers were at the site for the duration of the party to monitor the sound levels and confirmed the music did not exceed the legal levels.

The organisers employed their own engineers who visited unhappy homeowners to test the frequency and changed the direction of the speakers on several occasions.

Mr Fanciulli said: “I know not everyone is going to be happy about a festival but we care about people’s views, so we’re more than happy to work with the council and residents to try and come to a solution.”

A team worked to clear the four arenas after the show finished and returned the next day to restore the grass.

Mr Fanciulli said work will soon start on plans for The Social's return next year.

The Social 2014