Two young promoters have joined the chorus of opposition to cutbacks to one of Ashford’s biggest music festivals.

Teenagers Joshua Heyburn and Ryan Lewis, of Intimacy Gigs, have launched the protest against council plans to slash £9,000 in funding for the annual Create festival.

The youngsters, who organise local gigs, says the Victoria Park event is needed to boost Ashford’s “deprived music scene.”

In a joint letter the duo say: “We understand how key this festival is not only to the town but also to Ashford’s deprived music scene.

“It provides a brilliant atmosphere whilst also giving young ambitious musicians a chance to shine.

“There is very little for young people to do within the town, which is why we run our own gigs.”

The pair point out that the July festival brings around 5,000 people to the town, also leading to more customers for local traders.

Ashford Borough Council is considering the cutback as its suffers its share of pain during the recession.

Cllr Gerry Clarkson (Con), portfolio holder for cultural services, said his department had been given a large and difficult savings target following repeated cuts in government grants year on year.

He said officers would try to find a way to reinstate the £9,000 reduction if possible.

The planned saving has already been attacked by festival co-organiser Steve Monk who said cutting money for a highly successful festival would be a “traversty.”

Joshua and Ryan are Year 11 pupils from Ashford’s Norton Knatchbull School who set up their first Ashford concert under the banner Intimacy Gigs last December.

A follow-up was held this January and the next is Friday night at Brake Hall, Ashford, at 7pm.

Create this year is headlined by Nick Harrison, the Folkestone singer now signed up the the major A&M record label.