Just as organisers celebrated the news that a popular river festival will return this year, councillors approved a cash injection which will secure its future for three years.

With five weeks to go before the Maidstone River Festival is staged on the River Medway again, Maidstone council’s cabinet agreed an increased grant and pledged the same amount for the following two years.

The council’s grant had been £4,160 but was boosted to £10,000 this year, with the same amount promised in the next two years.

The grants are subject to a service level agreement between the council and festival organisers, and a full event management plan.

River Festival chairman David Knight said: “I’m delighted with the increased financial backing from Maidstone council.

“As a voluntary organisation we depend on contributions by local organisations and businesses and this funding will go a long way to help stage the county town’s flagship entertainment event.”

This year’s festival will be held on Saturday, July 26, and the main activities will start at noon led by the Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Denise Joy, and David Knight.

The festival had been in doubt over the introduction of event charging for policing.

Council leader Cllr Chris Garland said: “We promised Maidstone would be more fun – and this is just the start.

“It’s good news for the town that the River Festival will be a regular feature once more and we are hoping this year’s will be bigger and better.

“The river festival committee does a fantastic job and I am pleased that we can work together to safeguard this important event for Maidstone.”