Deal Festival launches today (Friday) with a play written by local author Gregory Holyoake.

Wellington at Walmer is an ensemble piece based on letters, diaries and newspapers of the period.

Because of the Duke of Wellington’s links with Walmer, the festival felt it was right to begin the two-week event with this production.

Wellington spent a lot of time at Walmer Castle and the piece includes the time he welcomed Queen Victoria to the area.

It will be performed by candlelight in St Andrew’s Church from 8pm.

On Saturday there will be an opportunity for people to discover The Winch Box, a movable work of art, which will have music linked to other festival events.

The artists responsible, Katryn Saqui and Loren Beven, will be with artistic director Paul Edlin at The Sea Cafe in Walmer at 11am.

The Astor will be the venue for Musical Tales from Adriamas, a live interactive musical story-telling featuring the stories of Willy the Wimp and My Wicked Stepmother.

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain will return to St George’s Church on Saturday evening with their own style of entertainment.

On Sunday, the festival welcomes The Choir of Gonville and Caius College from Cambridge University to St Andrew’s Church at 3pm.

In the evening, there will be a performance which brings together painting, sculpture and dance in response to the music of Debussy and Messiaen.