With three late-night clubs, four stages and two nights of big-name headliners, the second Meadowlands Festival has expanded significantly from its relatively low-key beginnings last year.

“It’s a music-lovers festival, by music-lovers for music lovers,” says spokesman Mark Ede, who, with Jeff Hemmings, has joined original founders Marco Pitt and Lee Bennett in promoting the event.

“Hopefully it will grow to be more ambitious year on year. This year is a full-on festival experience, with nearly 90 artists and a late licence to 4am.

“Brighton is such a busy arts centre with a big music scene. It could do with a full-on festival – and Meadowlands is filling that gap.”

Opening the proceedings tonight is Brighton-based label Tru Thoughts with a campsite disco, before the likes of Hot Club De Paris, Mirrors and headliners Turin Brakes – playing their debut album The Optimist in full – take to the main stage tomorrow.

The second day of music on the main stage includes sets by Electric Soft Parade, The Correspondents, Foy Vance, and headliners Penguin Cafe, following a sold-out appearance at the Brighton Dome Concert Hall last year.

There is also a second stage of national acts, hosting the likes of Three Trapped Tigers, Kate Walsh, Goldheart Assembly, Tom McRae and The Miserable Rich over the two days, plus club nights organised by ATIC Records tomorrow and electro swing night White Mink on Sunday.

New additions include a charity casino, a comedy stage, featuring John Hegley, Luke Wright and Karen Hayley, alongside the Hutchins Reverb stage celebrating the best in Brighton’s music scene.

“We are starting modestly partly through necessity,” says Ede.

“We are trying to make sure it works successfully, taking one stage at a time.

“Our catchment is Brighton, Kent and the South East, and we have people coming from as far afield as Holland via the Newhaven ferry.”

Meadowlands’ origins began with gigs at Bennett’s farm, before the decision was made to expand to Viscount Hampden’s estate at Glynde Place last year.

“It’s the private grounds of a stately country home,” says Ede.

“It’s a beautiful setting. It’s also next door to Glyndebourne opera house, so it’s got good transport links.”

Meadowlands is laying on free Big Lemon buses between Glynde Station and the festival site, and is also offering a range of children’s workshops and events, a pamper area and a range of food, drink and novelty stalls on site.

“New things are being added all the time,” says Ede.

“I think people are going to get value for money – it’s important in these recessionary times.”

* Gates open today at 2pm, arena opens 5pm, live music from noon tomorrow and Sun, tickets £20 tonight, £40 Sat/Sun day ticket, £80 weekend, reduced prices for teenagers and children. Visit www.meadowlandsfestival.com