CHALKWELL’S popular Village Green Festival returns this year. The event is back after 2012’s success with over 30 000 festival goers.

Metal's popular, free arts and music festival in Chalkwell Park will take place on Saturday July 13, from 11am until 9pm.

There are eight different stages showcasing music, dance and other entertainment.

Only five years ago Village Green was a small scale celebration of the arts and music of Southend. Now, it regularly attracts thosands.

Headliners are yet to be confirmed but The Skints are set to perform.

A Metal spokeswoman said: “A key to its success is the calibre of acts and the diversity of performances: recent festivals have seen artists such as Ballet Black, the Royal Opera House, Molly Nyman , Harry Escott and the Samphire Band, Billy Bragg, James Taylor Quartet, Camera Obscura, Carleen Anderson and, local boy, Phill Jupitus jumping on stage with the Blockheads.

“But the strength of the festival is its family centred ethos with every activity arts-led.”

The event is supported by Southend Council and Arts Council England.

Metal are currently looking for people interested in having a stall in the Marketplace to showcase their creative work: The deadline to apply is April 26. Food retailers have until March 15 to apply.

Volunteers are also needed to work back stage, in marketing, stewarding, capturing the event on film, artist liaison, hospitality and other site staff.

For more information and details contact chalkwell@metalculture.com