Standby for a bucket-load of guitar licks at Iwade Rock.

The village music festival created by husband-and-wife team Keith and Nicola Reynolds returns on Saturday, July 23, with a line-up of five bands and performers.

The pair, who have four children between them, have lived in Iwade near Sittingbourne since 2010.

Event director Keith, 45, a construction manager by day and a DJ at weekends who also runs the Iwade Herons under-15s football team and Little Legz Parties, said: "Iwade Rock is our baby. There isn’t a huge group of people behind this event. It's just us.

"I sort the bands, the plans, applications, licences, the stage and lighting and Nicola looks after the admin, graphics, artwork and the important sponsors.

"People think we must be mad and they are right. But somehow we get it done."

He added: "We don’t get paid, we just do it because we want to give something back to the community."

Over the years the couple and their Team Tango band of friends and volunteers have raised thousands for good causes including Demelza Children's Hospice, domestic abuse charity Sateda, Iwade Primary School and Iwade Herons Football Club.

This year one of the recipients will be Ellie's Angels.

Nicola, 42, who runs a virtual PA company called Meraki, said: "Team Tango are our saviours. You’ll see them rocking their orange Team Tango shirts as they help behind the scenes."

This year local band Marylebone Jelly are topping the bill.

Keith said: "They have been a massive supporter of each of the previous events but have never headlined because of their busy schedule."

Also on the bill are The Choos. Keith said: "Their lead singer Andy Benn lives in the village and his son plays in my football team. They are a funk and soul band and will bring a different vibe to the festival."

They feature Sophie Tuck-Brown from Sheppey on vocals.

Making his debut at Iwade Rock is Herne Bay singer guitarist David Shepherd. Keith said: "He was recommended by a friend so I went to one of his gigs and was mesmerised by his voice and playing style."

Opening the show will be Sonic Slaves featuring Keith's former drum teacher. Keith said: "He plays in many bands including The Kickbacks who played at Maidstone's Mote Park festival last year. They are great musicians."

Sheppey band Echo 90 promise a set of 90s indy bangers and high-energy originals four-piece The Lost Search Party from Rainham complete the line-up.

Keith said: "I got in contact with them after seeing them play at the Dublin Castle in London. They are a class act who will definitely go on to great things."

The Reynolds have teamed up with Arriva Kent and Medway buses to run a free shuttle service for ticket-holders from Sittingbourne railway station to reduce parking problems around the Heron's Park site.

It is part of Arriva's Connecting Communities campaign to combat loneliness and social isolation in collaboration with Mid Kent Mind and Kirstie George Fitness.

Iwade Rock was due to return last year with 10 bands but had to be called off because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Former drummer Keith said: “When I lived in Folkestone 15 years ago I used to put on an event in Capel Le Ferne called Capel Rock. Once I moved to Swale I wanted to continue the festival in my village.

"Iwade Rock was born in 2010 in the grounds of the village hall. Back then, it was more of a village fete with three bands.

"The following year it was aimed more at the music with bands performing on the back of an articulated lorry.

"In 2013 we had a proper stage and sound system but realised we needed a bigger venue as more people wanted to come.

"In 2014 we moved into the grounds of the school field where it stayed until 2016."

In 2018 the Reynolds moved switched it to the School Lane playing fields. The last outing got a crowd of 3,500.

Keith added: “We love seeing smiles on the faces of those who attend while also showcasing the great musical talent Kent has to offer.”

Nicola said: “It’s all about fun without denting your bank balance. It’s good value for money on your doorstep.”

Once again, staging will be by Sittingbourne firm Triple A Events. Tickets are £15 (£8 children) from here.