The programme for the 2018 Deal Music and Arts Festival has been released, with 41 events in 16 days.

The box office has opened at The Astor Theatre today (Monday, April 9) and organisers promise that with three residencies and a diversity of music there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The opening weekend, starting on Friday, June 29, features Stephen Kovacevich playing the dramatic Mozart Piano Concerto No.24 with the Purcell School Chamber Orchestra, OperaUpClose with La Bohème, and Deal’s own Gentlemen of Few.

The following week will feature award winning harpist Oliver Wass, Robert Poulter’s New Model Theatre with Blackey’d Susan at the soon-to-be opened Kent Museum of Moving Image.

Historian David Starkey will talk about Henry VIII, The first Brexiteer, and Graham Clarke, one of Britain’s most popular printmakers, will converse with Myles Corley at The Linden Hall Studio. There will be a return visit by Minima with a live score to the 1925 classic starring Lon Chaney of Phantom of the Opera.

Belle Chen will bring us Global Sounds, an evocative and immersive journey around the world through

classical piano, sound design and perfumes.

The second weekend features jazz with Ronnie Scott’s Residency. There will be the All Stars on the

Friday night and the Big Band on the Saturday and the Oxley Meier Guitar Project on the Sunday. Matilda Lloyd and Friends will be in Sandwich on the Sunday evening.

The Changeling Theatre company present Measure for Measure which will be inspired by

The Moulin Rouge with its hint of Burlesque. Local author Frances Fyfield will talk about The

Art of Collecting, and winners of the Royal Over-Seas League Ensemble Awards 2017 will

bring us world music and Andrey Lebedev will delight on the guitar.

Academy of Ancient Music return again with The Guildhall School of Music in a programme of Mozart.

Flauguissimo Duo delight with their music inspired by French and English Gardens.

The third weekend is a residency with the European Union Chamber Orchestra with concerts

in Sandwich and Deal. The final concert will include Vivaldi’s sensational Four Seasons with

Tasmin Little.

There will be two Family Days in the grounds behind St George’s Church free to the general

public which will feature White Cliffs Symphonic Winds and Goodwin Sounds and also give

an opportunity for participants of education project to perform.

There will be free Coffee Concerts in St Andrew’s Church and each Thursday, Friday and

Saturday free music in front of St George’s Church.

Dates and times can be seen at dealmusicandarts.com and leaflets are available throughout the town. reserve tickets at the the box office on 01304 370220 or through the Deal Music and Arts website.