THE highlight of a Kent town’s annual maritime celebrations may not take place this year due to a cash crisis.

The Party on the Prom concert, part of Deal’s Regatta Week, has a £2,000 cash shortfall and organisers are appealing to local pubs to help ensure the much-loved event goes ahead.

Tens of thousands of people enjoy the party on the seafront, which includes live music, Royal Artillery parachute displays, lifeboat shows from the RNLI and fireworks.

It has been scheduled for its usual Wednesday night slot on the eve of Deal Carnival, on July 31, but is £2,000 short of becoming a reality this year.

One solution, organisers say, would be for the pubs that benefit hugely from Regatta events to increase their donations.

John Trickey, chairman of Deal, Walmer and Kingsdown Regatta Committee, said: “Last year, due to bad weather, we made a shortfall of £2,000 that we would have budgeted for.

“Unless we find the money needed from donations or sponsorship regrettably the party will have to be withdrawn.”

He added: “We already have fantastic support from a number of people and businesses who generously sponsor and donate towards the carnival – now we hope more people can come forward.

“If 10 pubs along the promenade, that benefit from Regatta week, donated £200 each, we would raise the money.”

To make a donation phone 01304 381990, or send cheques to 18 Hope Road, Deal, Kent, CT14 7DF, made payable to DWKRA Ltd.