Deal Memorial Bandstand Trust faces a big overall loss for its 2010 series of concerts and is launching a new scheme to help keep the books balanced.

An appeal for sponsors will be made at a special reception at Deal Town Hall and there will be a variety of packages available on offer in a bid to raise cash.

Bandstand trust vice-chairman Bill Butler said: "During our 2010 series of concerts an overall loss of approximately £4,500 needed to be offset by other fund-raising activities.

"To address this problem we are, for our 2011 season, introducing an opportunity for up to 20 local businesses and community organisations to become sponsors of our weekly concerts for a contribution."

Deal Memorial Bandstand was constructed on Walmer Green in 1992 after a public appeal for funds and is maintained by donations.

It was built in memory of the 11 Royal Marines who were killed by an IRA explosion at the School of Music in 1989, seven years before the barracks closed.

* For full story see the front page of the East Kent Mercury, edition January 20.