FOLKESTONE FESTIVALS 2024
Welcome to music at the Folkestone Bandstand. Every Saturday and Sunday from 1st June – 29th September, 2.30-4.30pm unless otherwise stated.
Arranged for you by Folkestone Festivals and The Chambers “Make a Stand for Music” with support from Folkestone & Hythe District Council, Folkestone Town Council, Eurotunnel, Roger de Haan Charitable Trust, Hotel & Catering Association, The Folkestone Soundmen, The Range, Lidl, Sponsorships, private donations and general donations.
Enjoy traditional bandstand entertainment include brass, silver and concert bands and discover a range of different genres with live music, entertainment and dance from local groups including Tribute Bands.
MUSIC & FUN WEEKEND
Live music, Craft, art, food and drink stalls, amusements, free Punch & Judy Show, Jack Sparrow entertainment walkabout and Hoopsea Hula-hooping demos and workshops, dance demonstrations, classic vehicle display, community group displays and more, including William Harvey Statue Service organised by Folkestone Town Council.
Music on the day will include:
- 10.30am GUMBOOTS (Reggae)
- 1pm TILLY PANTLIN (Vocal Singer)
- 3pm VALKYRIE FIRE (80’s Hard Rock)
SUNDAY 2ND JUNE
MUSIC & FUN WEEKEND & DOG SHOW
Live music, Craft, art, food and drink stalls, amusements, free Punch & Judy Show and Bodger & Badger messy mash potato routine, Applause for Paws Dog Show various categories with prizes, community group displays and more.
Music on the day will include:
- 11am AMY WINEHOUSE TRIBUTE – Joanna Rose Barton
- 12 SPITTIN FEATHERS (Rock’ Roll)
- 3pm THE CONCORDS GROUP (60’s & 70’s)
APPLAUSE FOR PAWS
For online registration of your dog email folkestonefestivals@gmail.com or insta applauseforpaws_ff or register on the morning of the event.
The fun dog show for the community in 2023 was a resounding success with considerably more participants than expected. It was a great family event and we were able to include a young handler section.
The 2024 event will include three more categories and we will also have guest speakers talking about different areas of dogs attributes and areas of specialisation. There will also be a dog specialist from Best Behaviour so people can talk about their doggy problems throughout the event. There will be a few relevant stalls on site and we also aim to raise money for local dog charities.
Timetable
- 09.00 Registration
- 10.30 Talk by Retired Greyhound Canterbury.
- 10.40 Class 01 – Loveliest Lady (over 2yrs old)
- 10.50 Class 02 – Handsome Boy (over 2 yrs old)
- 11.00 Class 03 – Golden Oldie (over 8 yrs old)
- 11.10 Class 04 – Puppy Love (under 1 over 4 months)
- 11.20 Class 05 – Best Yearling (1-2 yrs old)
- 11.40 Talk Best Behaviour
- 12.00 Class 06 – Best Rescue
- 12.20 Class 07 – Best Young Handler (up to 13)
- 12.30 Class 08 – Scruffiest Dog
- 12.40 Class 09 – Waggiest Tail
- 12.50 Class 10 – Musical Sit
- 13.00 Talk Dog Trust: How to be Dog’s Best Friend
- 13.20 Class 11 – Dogs Who Look Most Like Their Human
- 13.30 Class 12 – Best Trick
- 13.40 Class 13 – Fancy Dress
- 13.50 Class 14 – Best In Show
- 14.00 Display Beach Buddies
- 14.20 End
THURSDAY 6TH JUNE
9.30pm D-DAY ANNIVERSARY LIGHTING OF THE BEACONS (Folkestone Town Council)
FRIDAY 7TH JUNE
2pm FOLKESTONE YOUNG STRINGS ORCHESTRA
SATURDAY 8TH JUNE
2.30 – 4.30pm DAVE FERRA ALL STARS (Blues & Spirituals)
SUNDAY 9TH JUNE
2.30 – 4.30pm SCOTT ELVIS (classic Elvis tracks from the 50’s to the 70’s)
SATURDAY 15TH JUNE
2.30 – 4.30pm SOMETHING ELSE BAND (1950/1960’s modern rockin feel) & Folkestone Teenyboppers dance demonstration.
In memory of John Corcoran a regular at the Bandstand until his untimely death this time last year. Sponsored by his widow Marie.
SUNDAY 16TH JUNE
2.30 – 4.30pn ABBA CHIQUE (Kent based tribute band – the most sought after tributes in the country with authentic Abba sound and look with a powerful stage presence full of energy and fun)
SATURDAY 22ND JUNE
2.30 – 4.30pm KATIE BRADLEY with the ANDREW MACLEAN BAND (Back by Popular demand – Blues and Cool Jazz)
SUNDAY 23RD JUNE
2.30 – 4.30pm HEROES (Tribute to New Wave/Mod/2 Tone late 70s to 80s)
SATURDAY 29TH JUNE
2.30 – 4.30pm KENT POLICE BAND (formed 1977 by serving Police Officers)
SUNDAY 30TH JUNE
10am ARMED FORCES DAY (organised by Folkestone Town Council) includes Red Arrows Display.
SATURDAY 6TH JULY
2.30 – 4.30pm THE OLD COUNTRY CROWS (Country Folk Rock Band)
SUNDAY 7th JULY
2.30 – 4.30pm BAE SYSTEMS BRASS BAND (based in Rochester playing an extensive repertoire in a range of musical styles to suit any occasion/event)
SATURDAY 13TH JULY
CHARIVARI (organised by Strange Cargo)
SUNDAY 14th JULY
2.30 – 4.30pm FOLKESTONE COMMUNITY SWING BAND (Formed in 2017 to create a band that was as fun to be a part of as it was good to listen to) & Folkestone Teenyboppers dance demonstration.
Sponsored by “Inspiring Hope for a Future” www.freshstartineducation.co.uk
SATURDAY 20TH JULY
2.30 – 4.30pm THE RUNAWAYS (Shadows Tribute Band)
SUNDAY 21ST JULY
2.30 – 4.30pm SCOTT ELVIS (classic Elvis tracks from the 50’s to the 70’s)
SATURDAY 27TH JULY
12noon start PRIDE PICNIC
SUNDAY 28TH JULY
2.30 – 4.30pm KENT COASTAL CONCERT BAND (A concert wind band based in Herne Bay. Started in 1991, the band is now 50 members strong with musicians of all ages – school children to retired people from all walks of life)
SATURDAY 3RD AUGUST
2.30 – 4.30pm NOT THE ROLLING STONES TRIBUTE BAND (You won’t believe it’s not Jagger! Capturing the authentic sound and spirit of The Greatest Rock n Roll Band in the world)
SUNDAY 4TH AUGUST
2.30 – 4.30pm DUKES OF SWINGS (selection of tracks from the 40’s & 50’s)
SATURDAY 10TH AUGUST
2.30 – 4.30pm INVICTA JAZZ ORCHESTRA (Based in Kent their style and music are infectious, with their variety of swing, jazz, funk and rock, from Jazz Standards and the Big Band Era of the 20s to modern arrangements, such as Michael Jackson’s Thriller)
SUNDAY 11TH AUGUST
2.30 – 4.30pm WEST KENT CONCERT BAND (Formed as Second Wind Concert Band in 1998 from around Sevenoaks in Kent. Repertoire includes favourite concert band pieces, novel and exciting arrangements of well and lesser known music grouped together in medleys, such as stage shows and film scores. Single melodies feature a solo instrument)
SATURDAY 17TH AUGUST
MULTI-CULTURAL FESTIVAL. Live music, Craft, art, food and drink stalls, amusements, free Punch & Judy Show, Hoopsea Hulahooping demos and workshops, Circus Workshops, dance demonstrations, classic vehicle display, community group displays and more. Music on the day will include:
- 10am UKRAINE GROUP
- 12.30pm FILIPINO COMMUNITY
- 3 – 5pm GYPSKAZZ (Ska/Jazz/East Europe Gypsy music/Latin & Cuban). Expect a musical adventure that takes you through country and continent, filled with pondering ballads, tango, waltz, swing, and high-energy songs. Their music is infectious, fun, soulful and spirited. Guaranteed to get your feet-tapping and up dancing.
SUNDAY 18TH AUGUST
MULTI-CULTURAL FESTIVAL & EDWARDIAN PICNIC. To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Friends of East Kent Buses and 50th Anniversary of the New Folkestone Society there will be an Edwardian Picnic outside the Grand with a saxophone quartet playing. Learn about all transport heritage and enjoy the two buses on display and a free ride in a vintage bus. Hopefully a steam rally and Classic Vehicle Display. Also Craft, Art, Food and drink stalls; selection of food from around the world. Also Traditional and contemporary music and dance performances from local and national artistes. Free Punch & Judy show, face painting, kids fun games, amusements, community group displays. Music on the day will include:
- 11am NEPALESE COMMUNITY
- 12noon TEQUILA BAND (inspired by Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass)
- 3 – 5pm MAMPAMA (African pop songs and fusion music)
- Outside the Grand 2.30pm ALL RIGHT ON THE NIGHT (Saxophone Quartet)
SATURDAY 24TH AUGUST
2.30 – 4.30pm CITY OF CANTERBURY BAND (Brass Band formed in 1969. The band prides on providing entertaining music for its listeners)
SUNDAY 25TH AUGUST
2.30 – 4.30pm 5 IN THE BAR (Jazz, swing, Latin groove celebrating the great composers and singers of our time.
SATURDAY 31ST AUGUST
2.30 – 4.30pm THREE SHADES OF GREY (All time greats by the Eagles, Mavericks, Fleetwood Mac, Travelling Wilbury’s and many more)
SUNDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER
2.30 – 4.30pm RAILWAY SWING BAND (a BIG band based in Sandwich, playing a mixture of music of the great Swing era: Ellington, Goodman, Basie, Miller, Kenton and Herman with more modern compositions)
SATURDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER
2.30 – 5pm THE GULLS (A three-piece Rock & Roll band – daring!)
SUNDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER
2.30 – 5pm PINK FLOYD TRIBUTE BAND “ON THE RUN” (Kent-based band pride described as ‘the most authentic live Pink Floyd tribute’ – live music at its best.
We are grateful for sponsorship from the Brelade-Harman Trust in memory of Nadia Brelade (1976-2018) who taught many young people in Folkestone and Hythe. The Trust supports the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). Please give generously.
SATURDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER
2.30 – 4.30pm MAMA’S FUNKIN SKUNKS (A quartet who produce thoughtful, captivating and funky tunes!)
SUNDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER
2.30 – 4.30pm EAST PECKHAM SILVER BAND (the oldest surviving Village Band in Kent)
SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER
2.30 – 4.30pm ROCK OF AGED (Five piece Classic Rock band based in South East Kent covering the best bands from 1970s and 1980s)
SUNDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER
2.30 – 4.30pm OLD TIME SAILORS (20 plus Merry sea shanty players return by popular demand. A super interactive day of fun)
SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER
2.30 – 4.30pm PRETTY CRAP BAND (a local, all female band playing classic, easy going rock hits from the 70s to the 20s)
SUNDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER
2.30 – 4.30pm TURMOIL (play a wealth of cover songs by bands such as The Killers, Oasis, Green Day, Stereophonics, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snow Patrol, Kings of Leon, Foo Fighters and many more, guaranteed to get the crowd singing and dancing along)
This popular band will give a rousing finale to Folkestone Festivals Stand By Your Bands season. We hope you have enjoyed the performances this summer. See you again in 2025!
SOME 2023 HIGHLIGHTS
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.
