A plea has been made for supporters of Canterbury Festival to back it financially so it can continue to grow.

Richard Sturt, chairman of its Festival Foundation, said the festival had become a permanent feature of cultural life.

“However, it depends heavily on sponsorship and external funding, which can become increasingly difficult to secure,” he said.

“Every year it relies on selling enough tickets to reach its financial targets.”

Plans are well under way for this year’s festival, which runs from October 11-25.

The festival foundation was formed as a registered charity in 2002 to supply the festival with a permanent financial backbone and to provide a structure for its Friends scheme.

For more information contact Sylviane Martel on 01227 762952 or email sylviane@canterburyfestival.co.uk