A major festival is looking for Arts Council cash in a bid to make each year better than before.

Adur Arts Festival chairman Richard Durrant made the pledge as he unveiled this year's programme.

Two of the festival's events have been awarded Arts Council grants this year.

Mr Durrant, who lives in Shoreham, said: "We took a risk and booked Company Paradiso, one of the most popular acts, in the hope that we would get the money.

"The Arts Council came through with the cash for that and an exhibition of art by children from nine local schools.

"This year is my first as chairman of the festival and if it is to continue and progress, we will be looking for more money from the Arts Council in future."

The programme for the two-week festival was unveiled yesterday at a breakfast on a houseboat at Shoreham Harbour.

Owner and local artist Hamish McKenzie is busy converting the Verda, a 1902 Solent ferry, into a home and studio alongside his existing boat.

He said: "Once it is finished in two years, it will be available as an "open house" studio for artists to exhibit their work during Adur Festival."

The festival programme will be delivered free to 35,000 homes in the Adur area. The event kicks off on June 1, with the Glastonwick beer, music and poetry festival at The Barn in Southwick.

East Street in Shoreham will be closed the following day for more fun, including live music on a stage at the war memorial.

Acclaimed guitarist John Renbourn and legendary Blues singer Geno Washington are among those appearing.

Oscar-winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon will be shown on a big screen at Southwick Leisure Centre.

And Sixties favourites Mike Pender's Searchers will play their hits at Shoreham Community Centre.

Beach Dreams, the popular 'festival within a festival', kicks off at Shoreham Beach on June 12, and continues the following day.

Three processions will arrive at the same time on Beach Green to launch it.

This year's theme is Aesop's fable The Wind, the Rain and The Sun, with spectacular costumes set to turn the parade into a Rio-style carnival.

Art exhibitions, murder-mystery evenings and a series of workshops are among events being held throughout the district.

Information about all the events is available by calling 01273 263160, or visit the web site at www.adurfestival.com