THE county's longest running festival, Grooves on the Green, is set to celebrate its 21st year.

The festival has an increased capacity and a “greater emphasis” on locally produced food and drink as it returns to Ashley Cross on July 16 and 17.

Jan Crump, who started the festival in 2000, said: “There's such a special community atmosphere at Grooves - that's the main reason it has lasted so long.

READ MORE: Grooves on the Green returns to celebrate 20th anniversary

"Of course we had to miss a year in lockdown, but we pulled out all the stops to come back even stronger last year and the response just blew us away - people were so happy, it was even more special than usual, a real weekend to remember."

Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Allan Turner-Ward returns this year to the main stage line up headlined by Pronghorn and Mother Ukers, as well as indie outfit Ragwormers.

This year with more space for festival goers to sit down and enjoy food and drink, there are even more opportunities to try something local with the launch of a new, sparkling wine called Bonnay, as well as two gins bars, a rum bar, two cider bars, a local real ale bar, Pimms and cocktail bar, the local Barefaced Brewery and The Bricklayers bar.

There are also cuisines from around the world including Mauritian, Greek, Indian, German, American, UK, and not forgetting festival favourites ice cream, candy floss, cakes, sweets and treats.

“Grooves on the Green is where the people of Ashley Cross and further afield come together to relax and have fun in the sun - we hope,” Jan added.

“It's a lively, friendly, welcoming area that's loved as much by the young families that have moved here as by residents who have lived here much longer - and it's that sense of inclusivity that Grooves has become deservedly famous for. Everyone is made welcome here.

“As ever, the people and traders of Ashley Cross have been incredible, with everyone pitching in and doing their bit.

“Without their efforts in volunteering, helping and sponsoring the weekend Grooves on the Green just wouldn’t be the same.”

Grooves will again be supporting local charities – in the last seven years it has raised more than £35,000 for Diverse Abilities.