The world-famous Orient Express train pulls into Deal for the second of four UK Pullman ‘Discover Deal’ excursions in 2012 on Friday 29th June. 

Visitors to Deal travelling on board the train from London Victoria will arrive at 1.15pm and following two hours’ free time in Deal will then return to London Victoria, departing Deal at 3.45pm.  

Founders of Deal station’s new café ‘Platform 1’, Nick and Andy Stevens said : “Following the fantastic welcome hundreds of local people gave Orient Express passengers on the first ‘Discover Deal’ excursion in May, we are delighted to welcome back the train and guests for the second time this year. Once again the famous train’s visit to Deal presents a unique opportunity to showcase the town and create the best of impressions for many visitors whom we hope will return time and time again.”

“As well as directing visitors to Deal’s popular town centre establishments and attractions during their two hour stay, the retro style design and theme of our ‘Platform 1’ café is very much in keeping with the history of the world’s most prestigious train and the glorious era of luxury travel the train itself evokes and we look forward to welcoming new visitors to our café and Deal itself.” 

Miriam Margolyes reprises her acclaimed Olivier Award-nominated production, Dickens’ Women on Friday 6th July 7.30pm at St George’s Church, as part of its year-long world tour that includes seasons at the Sydney Opera House, Jaipur Literary Festival in India and at New York’s legendary Morgan Library.

Dickens’ Women is one of the greatest one-woman shows of all time. In this revisited production especially created for the Dickens 2012 celebrations, audiences have the unique opportunity to witness the extraordinary passion and talent of Miriam Margolyes as she portrays over 23 of Dickens’ best-loved characters. 

There will be more than just early morning commuters at Deal Railway Station on Wednesday 20th June, when BBC Radio Kent’s Breakfast Show is broadcast live from 06:00am to 09:00am from ‘Platform 1’, Deal Station’s popular new café facility. 

Fronting the show will be regular presenters John Warnett and Clare McDonnell keeping the county up to date with the latest news, travel and weather plus stories from around Kent.

The live outside broadcast is the second of a two day BBC Radio Kent Breakfast Show focus on the economic future of East Kent, including the main opportunities for growth as well as barriers that exist. Day one on Tuesday 19th June is highlighting Thanet and day two from the ‘Platform 1’ location, will focus on the towns and district of Deal, Dover and Sandwich.

‘Platform 1’ founders and co-owners Nick and Andy Stevens said : “We are delighted to welcome the BBC Radio Kent Breakfast Show to ‘Platform 1’ and we look forward to hosting the entire broadcast team and various guests the programme is inviting to be interviewed to comment on this specific region of the county.” 

“It’s a major coup for a Deal location and business to be used as a broadcast base for the popular show and a great opportunity to showcase what the town has to offer and promote future developments and investments.”

The Deal Festival of Music and the Arts is here!

The Astor Community Theatre is playing host to The Deal Festival.  On Monday 2nd July 6.30pm Dr Jon Banks, a multi-instrumentalist and musicologist will talk about Klezmer, classican and the music of Everything is illuminated.  Jon’s particular specialities include the music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the Mediterranean and the Middle East. He has toured and recorded with groups such as the Dufay Collective, Joglaresa, Red Byrd, the Jocelyn Pook Ensemble and Mawwal. He is a member of the famous Jewish ensemble the Burning Bush, with which he has performed and broadcast extensively.  Jon has recently appeared in several productions at Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, including Measure for Measure, Anthony and Cleopatra, Under the Black Flag and Liberty. His diverse instrumental skills are frequently in demand for TV and film soundtracks, and from various Iranian and Middle Eastern ensembles.

Over 20 schools have grabbed at the chance to be part of this major education project and the Festival are grateful to Duke of York’s School and The Marlowe Academy for hosting this amazing project. The Little Monsters have been working for months now learning their words and the instrumentalists learning their music.  They are part of the English premiere of Stephen Deaszley and Matt Harvey’s ever-so-slightly terrifying song cycle.   Don’t miss it – two performances at the Nye Hall on 2nd July 4.00 pm and 6.00 pm and one performance at The Marlowe Academy, Ramsgate on the 3rd July.

The opening weekend of the Deal Festival is a feast for all the senses and is not to be missed. At 8pm on the 29th June The Astor Theatre will be transformed into a bohemian dream world with music, magic, dance, poetry and feasting.
Prior to this concert there will be a very special event at Dover Town Hall when students from the Aspen Unit at Dover Christ Church Academy will perform a newly commissioned work by the celebrated saxophonist John Harle.  This has been funded by Kent Community Foundation and is a way of integrating students with profound, severe or complex needs into the Festival.