This year's early birds where particularly keen as they set up their chairs and rolled out their picnic blankets ready for today's 26th anniversary concert.

The Royal Marines concert is one of the most important events on Deal’s calendar, which is why several people arrive early to secure the best spot on Walmer Green.

This year was no exception. Doreen Bonner of Downs Road pitched up at 7am to guarantee a spot for her son, Ian, and neighbours Mark Simpson and Archie Houston.

She said: “We come every year. It’s something traditional and it’s a nice day out.”

One group did arrive before her. They showed up at 6am according to Deal Memorial Bandstand Trust events organiser Steve Parks, but they had abandoned their chairs.

Mr Parks said: “They were here at 6am when I arrived, setting up.”

Vernon Gidman, who travelled from Sweden, was only slightly behind the rest.

He said: “I come every other year because I live in Sweden. I’m representing my brother today. He’s 80.”

His brother is Mark Gidman, a former chief station officer at Deal Fire Station.

He said: “He was first on the site at the barracks when the bombing happened.

“He always used to come but couldn’t get here this time.

“If he could be here, he would. It means so much to him.”

Angela Mortimer, who was also one of the first to arrive last year, turned up at around 8am this year.

She said: “There’s around 30 of us that come every year. We love it!”

The early arrivals have not only secured a great space but will be able to watch the stage being set-up and meet other concert revellers and ex-bandsmen as they show up.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the event which pays respects to the 11 Royal Marines musicians killed by the IRA in September 1989.

The advice is to get to the concert early to save your space and remember to leave your car at home because the area is already getting congested with prohibited parking on The Strand and nearby streets.