Sponsors are backing summer concerts on the Deal Memorial Bandstand, where trustees are determined to combat rising costs.

Deal Mayor Cllr Ben Bano launched the 2011 series of performances by sponsoring two of the 22 musical events, both for the Betteshanger Colliery Brass Band.

The gesture was made at a civic reception hosted by the mayor at Deal Town Hall, held to address the bandstand trust's annual shortfall between income and expenditure.

Trust chairman John Perkins said: "Each year the trust has to raise an average of £18,000 to pay for these free concerts to take place, the bulk of which is raised by raffles and donations at the concerts.

"However with the rising costs involved, particularly with the managing the Royal Marines concert in July, there is always a shortfall between income and expenditure.

"The Mayor's initiative was inspired and we only need a further six sponsors to make the whole project a 100 per cent success - a terrific start to the 2011 season."

Yvonne Stewart, steward at the RMA Club, The Strand, Walmer, is sponsoring the Old Comrades on August 7, when former Royal Marines perform on the bandstand opposite the club.

The Mercury is sponsoring the popular July 10 concert when the Band of HM Royal Marines visit Deal.

* Ring 01304 382283 for more details about sponsoring a concert. For full story see the East Kent Mercury, February 10.