An unprecedented 12,000 people attended the Marines on the Green concert today.

And organisers believe that the enormous figure was contributed to by this being the 30th anniversary year of the 11 Royal Marines bandsmen killed by terrorists at Walmer Barracks.

The annual concert has been held at the specially-constructed bandstand at Walmer Green since 1993.

Derek Lindars, new chairman of the Deal Memorial Bandstand Trust, told Kent Online: "This is possibly the highest attendance.

"I think the 30th anniversary has contributed to the high attendance.

"But the quality of the music of the Royal Marines musicians meant this was always going to be a highly successful day.

Mr Lindars had told the audience: "As I look around at the thousands of you gathered here it is a reminder of the strong bond between the people of Deal and the Royal Marines.

"I'm also warmed to see so many serving and former Royal Marines, the core family, who are gathered to enjoy the concert and and join us in the act of remembrance."

The Band of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth (Royal Band) played for the first half, starting with the National Anthem.

A highlight was a guitar feature the Rolling Stones' (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction by Musn Matt Gregory.

The Bank of HM Royal Marines Collingwood appeared for the second half playing a selection of marches and got the audience on their feet with tunes such as Land of Hope and Glory as the show drew to a close.

For full report and picture special see next Wednesday's East Kent Mercury and Dover Mercury