A LINE-UP of popular local bands and artists will take to the Stanford Music Festival stage in a fortnight’s time.

The two-stage musical extravaganza at the Crooked Billet has grown to become a staple event in the Stanford-le-Hope community events calendar.

This year, authentic and energetic five-piece 80s band Electronic 80s are headlining the festival, which takes place on Saturday, July 5.

The covers group, whose set list includes hits like Aha’s Take On Me and Duran Duran’s Girls on Film will be closing the show, which sees the likes of The Heaters, Danny White and Louis Sorrell-Wilde perform before them - all of whom are frequently found playing live in Thurrock.

Leon Rowland, a local DJ who is making quite a name for himself with gigs at top London clubs like Ministry of Sound will be doing DJ sets between some of the bands and artists playing.

In the Crooked Billet beer garden, the likes of Grays Town Band, Finding Mirands and The Queensburys will be playing on the “second stage” - adding to the variety of talented local acts on show.

There will also be a number of craft stalls offering trinkets and goodies.

Entry to the popular festival is free and the first live performances start at 1pm. The event will finish at around 10.30pm.