The show will go on, organisers of Maidstone’s popular River Festival have confirmed.
Following an appeal by festival committee chairman Martin Cox in the Kent Messenger, a sponsor has come forward for one of the best-loved events of the weekend – the raft race – and a financial backer has also offered support, should further funds not materialisecome forward.
Optimistic organisers had set a date of Saturday, July 27, but had been unable to secure enough sponsorship to get the go-ahead.
But after reading the article, Strata Construction Group, which had sponsored the raft race previously, stepped up to help.
Mr Cox said: “It is going ahead as much as we can make it. If we manage to get extra funding now it will be the icing on the cake.
“I really need people of Maidstone and particularly the pubs and restaurants to step up.”
The theme for the event will be invaders and all the usual features will be there in force. Entries are also being invited to the raft race. If you can help, volunteer or would like to offer sponsorship, call Mr Cox on 01622 688945 during office hours.

For full story see today's KM.