Arrival of the Coat of Hopes to Folkestone

Ask me where I’m going
Ask me what is my purpose

The Coat of Hopes is now in the 4^th year of pilgrimage with no end in sight, having committed to keep walking whilst we remain in a state of climate and ecological crisis. Wherever the Coat goes it carries an invitation to all who are willing; to wear it, hear its song, and stand for a moment in consciousness of our connection with each other, all who have made and worn the Coat before us, and all life – stopping to be present and consider the way we live. Thousands of people have participated in this way. The journey began in August 2021 with a blank coat, setting out from Newhaven (on the south coast of England) for COP26, the United Nations Climate summit in Glasgow. Since then, blanket patches stitched with people’s hopes for the places they live in the face of climate breakdown, have been gathered and sewn into the Coat by local people at overnight stops all along the way. Currently consisting of at least 700 contributions, this practice continues with the walk.

Along with the pilgrims accompanying the Coat, we invite you to come and welcome, see, touch and wear this extraordinary and well-travelled garment at Folkestone Museum from 1.30pm.

This is not a funded project, but a free movement of people for hope in our shared future, it happens only through the good will of people who choose to walk, sew, sing for, feed or shelter strangers. All are welcome to join this work in any of those ways.

Later in the day there will be a free sharing workshop at 4pm at Kollectiv, 69 The Old High Street led by Deborah Crofts.