Preparations are being made to make the second Kent Miners’ Festival a show-stopping event for the whole community.

The festival, being backed by Mercury publisher The KM Group, will be held at Fowlmead Country Park in August. It is based around the old gala days when mining families would get together for a day of fun.

Organisers Gary Cox and Jimmy Davies were very pleased with the success of last year’s celebration, with thousands of people attending and it quickly became clear the people of Deal wanted it to become an annual event.

Mr Cox said: “What was supposed to be a one-off to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the closure of Betteshanger Colliery has now turned into a two-day festival.”

Already many bands and community groups have offered to perform or exhibit and the organisers hope the annual festival will grow into the best event the town has ever seen.

Mr Davies said: “We really want more groups and organisations to get involved and plan their events around the festival.”

Sporting and youth orientated events will take place on the Sunday, and youth organisations are invited to get in touch with their ideas.

Former Kent miners, their families and people from all corners of the county came to last year’s festival on Bank Holiday Monday.

Entertainment included traditional activities which were laid on at the old galas such as boxing.

There will be vintage cars and tractors on display this year. Stall holders are welcome and pitches are available for a fee.

The Kent Miners’ Festival will take place on Sunday, August 29 and Bank Holiday Monday, August 30.

If your group or society would like to get involved with the celebrations, or arrange an event to tie in with the festival, contact Mr Cox on 07800 545135.