Organisers are expecting numbers to far exceed those who flocked to the free event last summer – when more than 30,000 party-goers turned up to the three-day event and some 80,000 more people listened to the entertainment on local radio.

Festival organiser Dave Smith said: 'We have a very strong line-up this year. One of the main attractions is Nazareth on their 40th anniversary tour, and three other bands to catch the imaginations will be Juicy Lucy, Stray and Deborah Bonham.

'They are four very strong international acts which will definitely make this year the biggest we have seen.'

The event's licence only allows 5,500 people in the park at any one time and hopeful festival-goers are advised to get in early – or miss out.

Councillor Smith added: 'Come early to avoid disappointment. Once we shut the gates that's it.'

'The free festival is important to the community of Gosport, it's giving something back – the community has earned this event.'

The main attractions on this year's stage include Liverpool's The Swinging Blue Jeans who will be getting the crowd moving with their 1960s hits Hippy Hippy Shake, Good Golly Miss Molly, Don't Make Me Over and It's Too Late Now.

On Saturday rockers Nazareth will play songs from their back catalogue as well as tracks from their forthcoming album released in celebration of the band's 40th year performing together.

Sunday will come to a crescendo with a performance from the voice of Rose Royce – Gwen Dickey.

In 1998, Gwen teamed up with international rap artist and recent Glastonbury headliner Jay-Z for a new version of the Rose Royce hit Wishing on a Star.

Last year's festival – which starred Slade – was a washout. Although the forecast is not looking like clear skies, organisers are confident that will not dissuade music lovers.

The event, now in its eighth year, begins at 6pm tomorrow.