The people of Deal can now vote for the town’s very own festival to win a Culture Award.

Deal Festival of Music and the Arts has been shortlisted for the East Kent People’s Award, an awards ceremony organised by Canterbury for Culture.

Deal Festival will go up against five others including the Marcel Duchamp in Herne Bay Festival, Folk in the Barn and Broadstairs Folk Week, to win the accolade.

Deal Festival of Music and the Arts has brought visitors to the town from all over Britain and the continent too.

Festival publicity officer Willie Cooper said: “For thirty three years, Deal Festival has presented an ever expanding independent festival bringing to East Kent international artists, orchestras and ensembles of every musical genre as well as dance, drama, literature and the visual arts.

“It has been there to help young musicians up the ladder of success and these have included Gwilym Simcock and Alison Balsom. It has worked with over 5,000 young people in the last six years with community events giving them the opportunity to either perform or discover the joy of music and drama.”

The festival has welcomed the most prestigious performers including Sir Willard White, Sir Andrew Motion, Sir Thomas Allen, Dame Felicity Lott, Germain Greer, Ukelele Orchestra, Denis Norton and continues to do so with its festival this year.

Mrs Cooper added: “We try hard to deliver something which is enriching for all.”

Voting will close on Monday, June 9 with the winners announced shortly afterwards.

To vote visit www.thecultureawards.org and click on ‘public vote’.