Glitz and glamour will descend on Deal when the red carpet is rolled out in aid of Deal's cash-strapped carnival.

Vince Keen of The Court Yard has come out in support of Deal Regatta Week organisers, who last month resorted to launching a GoFundMe appeal to recoup a cash shortfall from spectator donations.

The owner of the Sondes Road restaurant and bar has vowed to do what he can by hosting the Red Carpet night on Thursday, January 23, 2020.

He said: “I think everyone benefits from the carnival and when I heard there was a shortfall, I feel that all the businesses that benefit during Carnival Week should help out.

“The carnival committee should have a decent fund well ahead.

“Deal is a lovely town and they’re doing a lot of lovely things in the town, and for them to have a shortfall just because of the weather is not good enough.”

Deal, Walmer and Kingsdown Regatta Association chairman John Trickey said: “We’re very grateful and pleased that a restaurateur is coming forward to help and pleased that the people of Deal are once again coming forward.”

“It is helpful because the Carnival Association will make money out of it”

As previously reported in The Mercury and Kentonline, Regatta week receives no guaranteed funding.

The cash total to put on the week of events amounts to £26,000. Most of which is covered in sponsorship by the likes of the Woolls family who pay for and provide the fireworks at the Party on the prom.

There is never a cash reserve and each year the committee has to start again from scratch.

They ask for sponsorship from their dedicated bank of sponsors which, Mr Trickey said is never guaranteed, and volunteers have to apply for cash from grant giving bodies such as regular sponsors Walmer Parish Council, and occasional sponsors Deal Town Council. Their money is ring fenced for certain purposes like the Teddy Bear’s Picnic and road closures.

January’s Red Carpet gala event will allow members of the public to dig out their glamorous prom dresses and tuxedos for a night of high class fun. There will be music to dance to and canapes.

It will take the form of a previous Red Carpet event which had been held at the Hole in the Roof pub.

Click here to donate or search Deal Carnival at GoFundMe.com