Thousands of revellers are expected to flock to this year's festival, following a wash-out and poor ticket sales in 2007.

More local acts will be performing this afternoon during a family session between noon and 5pm.

Tonights's music will be courtesy of Pugwash, Slam - featuring David Blackman from the 1970s band The Teenbeats - and Buick 6.

Visitors will be able to try their hand at an array of side shows and a variety of food will be on offer, including fish and chips, burgers, paella and fish rolls.

Some 100 different types of beer will be on sale and 130 barrels of real ale - each containing 72 pints - as well as lager and cider will provide festival-goers with liquid refreshment.

Inspector Dave Gill, of Hastings Police, said: "We want people to have a good time, but would ask them to drink responsibly, act responsibly, and be considerate to local residents.

"If you are driving to the event think about who is going to be the designated driver, find a sensible parking spot and remove all valuables from your car."

Tickets for the evening session costs £10 or £5 for this afternoon.

An afternoon family ticket - for a maximum of four people - costs £10.

Visit www.hbmf.co.uk for more details.