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WELCOME TO FOLKESTONE FESTIVALS
Sadly during the current corona virus uncertainties – all our events in June and July have had to be cancelled. It is hoped that we may be able to restart the programme in August for our Band Concerts but this all depends on the local Council granting permission for use of the land they own. We are very sorry for this inconvenience but we are sure you will understand that these things are beyond our control.
We are hopeful of restarting the Monthly ArtMart Craft & Art market in Bouverie Place Shopping Centre Plaza on the 26th June.
FOLKESTONE FESTIVALS LAUNCHES IT’S 2020 EVENTS PROGRAMME
Folkestone Festivals are pleased to announce details of their 2020 programme of fantastic free events for the town of Folkestone.
Following the success of last year’s Vintage Music Festival we are delighted that this will occur once again on the Bandstand on Saturday 11th July 2020. The Music Festival will open at 10am. At 11am Steve Bell will be performing “A Key In Time” which is a 60 minute musical trip in solo guitar music from the era of Henry VIII to present, and again at 1pm. He will be followed at 12 noon by a performance from Vintage Ruby, a professional Jazz, Blues & Swing singer based in Folkestone. Her repertoire covers songs from the 1920s to the present day. Ruby has a beautifully soft jazz voice, reminiscent of the classic jazz and blues singers of the 1930s & 1940s. She will repeat this performance again at 2pm.
The rest of the afternoon we plan to have the Folkestone Community Swing Band performing for us once again, and the swinging sound of two vintage voices harmonizing together to form the Dulcettes.
Classic vehicles will also provide static displays. Vintage amusements, Punch and Judy Shows and a host of other things will make the day go with a swing! Stall holders selling vintage and retro goods as well as craft and food will add to the ambiance of the event. Dressing up in the style of the era is also welcome. There are numerous local music groups, dancers and singers and Folkestone Festivals would welcome interest from potential participants.
Sunday 12th July sees the return of The UK U105kg Strongest Man Competition.
On Saturday 27th June, is the Mariners Cake Off Competition Fun Day. Please note we have moved this event from September to June to benefit from better weather conditions. Sponsored by The Mariner (to support the work of The Beacon School in Folkestone) this event will be held on Folkestone’s Stade by the picturesque fishing harbour. There will be a Baking Competition, a variety of music and entertainment, face painting and Punch & Judy with food, craft & gift stalls.
These great events complement Folkestone Festivals’ regular events with Music at the Bandstand commencing Sunday May 24th through to September 6th and the brilliant monthly ArtMarts which take place on the last Friday of the month from March to November with a special Christmas date of December 18th.
Enquiries are welcome from those who would like to take part. For stalls contact neville@folkestonefestivals.org and for entertainment and other information; john@folkestonefestivals.org
2020 FOLKESTONE ARTMARTS
* Last Friday of the month at Bouverie Place Shopping Centre
28th March
24th April
29th May
26th June
31st July
28th August
25th September
30th October
27th November
18th December
*Please note that the event programme is subject to change on the day and many are weather dependent but all are family, friendly and fun.
LEAS BANDSTAND PROGRAMME 2020
*Taking place on Sundays unless otherwise stated, performances from 2.30PM to 4.30PM.
24th May – Bracknell & Wokingham Community Band
31st May – East Peckham Silver Band
June 6th -(Saturday) Folkestone Community Swing Band
7th June – Ashford Concert Band
14th June – Hythe Town Concert Band
20th June – (Saturday) Invicta Jazz Orchestra
21st June – TBC
28th June – ARMED FORCES DAY
5th July – TBC
11th July – (Saturday) Vintage Musical Festival
12th July – UK Strongest Man Competition
18th July – (Saturday) UK Paper Band
19th July – 1st Whitstable Scouts Group Band
26th July – Invicta Concert Band
2nd August – Faversham Mission Brass Band
9th August – Birchington Silver Band
16th August – Second Wind Concert Band
23rd August – Sevenoaks and Tonbridge Concert Band
30th August- UK Paper Band
6th September- City of Canterbury Band
*Please note that the event programme is subject to change on the day and many are weather dependent but all are family, friendly and fun.
THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DO IN FOLKESTONE
Check out the video featuring some of the highlights from the 2015/2016 events and one video highlighting the 2014 Folkestone events, or click the gallery to re-visit previous Folkestone Festivals.
The Folkestone Festival website will provide all of the up-to-date information regarding the many impressive events we are involved with this year, keep checking back with us to make sure you do not miss out.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the other various organisations working hard to schedule brilliant events for the benefit of Folkestone.
