The Kooks set to rock Maidstone

The Kooks on stage in France

The Kooks will headline the main stage at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Maidstone, Kent on Sunday evening.

On Saturday, Madonna played a six track set list including current number one single, 4 Minutes. She closed with Music, another former number one.

30,000 people snapped tickets to see bands including The Enemy and Jack White from White Stipes "other" band, The Raconteurs.

The annual event is the biggest free music festival in Europe.

This year is step up for The Kooks, who played the second stage at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Dundee in 2006.

I'm all for free festivals and free gigs for that matter Tom Clarke

Singer Luke Pritchard said: "That was a genuine turning point for our band, that gig.

"I just remember it being crazy, people climbing up the walls, it was quite a big moment.

"This year should be even better."

The weekend will mark a number of returns including 2006 headliners, The Zutons, who are back with a new album.

The Enemy played in Preston in 2007 and frontman Tom Clarke is excited to be playing again.

He said: "I'm all for free festivals and free gigs for that matter.

"Festival tickets can be ridiculously pricey. I could never afford one when I was selling TVs.

"One Big weekend is free so normal people can go to it."

Weather forecast

Sunny weather is being forecast for Maidstone, something Hot Chip had to deal with when they played in the scorching heat of the Coachella festival in California last month.

They play the In New Music We Trust stage, alongside the likes of The Wombats and punk band Gallows

Joe Goddard from Hot Chip said: "It sounds like this weekend is going to be really beautiful and we've got some really nice things going on.

"We normally play in clubs really late at night so that's what we're used to.

"But when you play a festival in Britain, it just changes everything if it's hot and sunny."

Hot Chip on stage at the Coachella festival

The Raconteurs will bring the festival to a close on the main stage.

Five years ago, Jack White played with White Stripes at the Big Weekend in Manchester.

Radio 1's Dave Pearce will headline the Outdoor DJ stage.

Many fans arrived at the Mote Park early on Sunday lunchtime to see as many bands as possible.

16-year-old Carmen Yu from Cranbook told Newsbeat: "I'm looking forward to The Kooks, obviously because I really like them.

"They're way better than Madonna, that's why we came on Sunday. I'm so excited"

18-year-old Becca Starling from Sheppy added: "It is brilliant, you couldn't get a better day.

"I registered for my tickets on the internet, I know that not many people got them and when I found out, I was excited."