by Katie Alston

kalston@thekmgroup.co.uk

Organisers of the new Faversham Festival are urging people to support the event.

Its patrons include local celebrities such as Sir Bob Geldof, Barry McGuigan and EastEnders actor Shaun Williamson, and it is hoped it will become an annual event.

The festival is the idea of Boughton-under-Blean resident Graham Gilbert who wanted to celebrate the talent in the Faversham district.

He said: "Nothing has showcased the town and its rural areas like this before.

"There is such a variety of musical and artistic talent and all those taking part will be local or have an association with, or be sponsored by, someone in the area.

"So many people have wanted to get involved it has been very inspiring."

A huge variety of concerts, plays and exhibitions will take place in the town and surrounding areas from June 18 to 26, and organisers hoping they have packed something for everyone into the programme.

Mr Gilbert said: "We need money and the best way for people to support and help us with that is to buy tickets.

"The only thing is pinning down some of our high profile patrons.

"It may be a case of leaving it in the lap of the gods and waiting to see how things play out.

"A lot of programs and tickets have already been sold and we anticipate that the majority will be sold on the door.

"Things have come together as we hoped, and there will be something for everyone.

"It has been a steep learning curve and there have been hurdles to get over, but we are getting there and have learned from our mistakes. It will be all right on the night.

"Things are already being planned for next year's festival, which is going to be even bigger.

"It is an exciting time for us and we are all looking forward to seeing the array of talent that the area has to show."