Star Julian Lloyd Webber will no longer headline Deal Festival, due to a herniated disc in his neck which limits his ability to play.

The 63-year-old younger brother of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber has cancelled all his musical engagements and will retire. The injury in his neck has reduced the power in his right arm, in which he holds his bow.

At short notice, organisers of Deal Festival have been able to persuade the exciting and versatile cellist Guy Johnston to take his place on Saturday, June 28 at 7.30pm.

Guy has recently made a recording of music by David Matthews, a former artistic director of Deal Festival, and has also been taught by Stephen Isserlis who also fulfilled the same role.

He will fit in this concert between playing at Whitgift School with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Cheltenham Festival.

Despite some last minute changes, this year’s festival promises to have it all.

Highlights will include Harry the Piano and the KD Jazz and Dance Band on the opening night June 27, a commemorative WW1 drama by the Astor Youth Theatre and a musical journey into the World War One with the Ragtime Parlour Band.

There will be jazz from David Rees-Williams and Trish Clowes and folk from Gentlemen of Few, plus much more.

Programmes will be available shortly.

Tickets for the festival will go on sale on May 6 at The Astor Theatre, Stanhope Road, Deal, available from 01304 370220 or www.theastor.org.

For full details visit www.dealfestival.co.uk