Buskers were out in force in Deal town centre Saturday cheering up the shoppers and raising money for the town’s September folk festival.

The annual event has been part of the summer calendar in many guises since 1996 and its mission is to give a showcase to the varied traditions of folk music and dance, while making the event a community one for Deal.

Busk organiser Mac Mckean said: “We had several bands out on Saturday including a contingent from the Sunshine Ukes and Driftwood. So far this year we have raised more than £400 thanks to the generosity of the people of Deal. Our next busking at the town hall will be on Saturday, August 31.”

Jon Dean, of the Deal Folk By The Sea organising group, said: “We hope to have a packed weekend of music and dance this September and the event includes an Offcumduns’ Day of Dance with about 20 morris groups taking part."

This year’s festival takes place between September 20 and 22. More details can be found at www.dealfolkbythesea.org.uk, at the festival’s facebook page Deal Folk by the Sea, on Twitter at DealFolk or email info@DealFolkByTheSea.org.uk

See this week's East Kent Mercury - out on Thursday - for news about the festival.