Heavy rock festival Maid of Stone is returning for its third year and has revealed the first wave of bands set to hit the stage.

The festival will be back for three days at Maidstone’s Mote Park in July, with American band Black Stone Cherry announced as the first headliner.

The Kentucky group’s performance in Kent will be their only UK appearance in 2025.

The band, known for hits such as Me and Mary Jane, White Trash Millionaire, Blame It on the Boom Boom and Lonesome Train, will be making their debut at Maid of Stone next year, but it’s not the first time they have performed at Mote Park.

The four-piece previously headlined the Ramblin’ Man Fair in 2019.

Also set to appear in Maidstone next summer as part of the festival are former Scorpions and UFO guitarist Michael Schenker, glam rock band Sweet, American rockers the Georgia Thunderbolts and Stone Broken, who have recently toured stadiums with Iron Maiden.

There will also be a stage for rising stars, local bands and unsigned talent, and there will be a signing tent and merchandise stalls.

Similar to previous years, crowds can also enjoy activities such as axe throwing, sample cask ale and street food from the bars and vendors, take a moment to relax in the chillout area and watch walkabout entertainment from street performers.

Festival booker Chris Wright said: “Booking arena-level bands like Black Stone Cherry underscores our commitment to the continued growth of Maid of Stone. Our focus has always been on building a sustainable, high-quality event that rock fans can rely on, year after year. The support we’ve received from fans both locally and internationally is second to none, and we’re more excited than ever for 2025.”

Maid of Stone takes place from Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20 2025. You can book tickets here.

More artists are set to be announced for the festival in the coming months.