Plenty of pirates waving cutlasses greeted MP and Minister Ed Vaizey when he officially opened the Deal Festival of Music at Dover Town Hall.

The children from Harbour School looked menacing in their costumes for their performances of songs, poems, recitals and sessions walking an imaginary plank, which also marked the start of the annual extravaganza of music.

Mr Vaizey, minister for culture, communications and creative industries, applauded the presentation by the 50 pupils, aged six to 14.

He said: “It is wonderful to be here to launch the Deal Music Festival in Dover, which shows the impact of the event which looks after the whole area. This is the 31st Festival and it has established itself well with the community.”

Mr Vaizey praised the "selfless work" generated by the local people, mostly volunteers, to make the festival happen and described the programme as fantastic. He described the 10 days of events as outstanding and of highest quality.

He also told the packed town hall that he thanked everyone for making it happen.

The Deal Festival of Music programme began on Friday and continues until July 7 and includes a variety of music, from folk to jazz and from classical to opera, as well as talks, performances and theatre in Deal, Dover and St Margaret’s.

For full details see the East Kent Mercury June 27 and July 4. Or visit www.dealfestival.co.uk