What do we sacrifice to succeed – and what do we conceal to survive? In this bold and searching conversation, Will Young and James Cahill come together to explore queerness, creativity, and the hidden costs of a life lived in public. One is a Pop Idol winner turned bestselling author and outspoken mental health advocate; […]
Don’t miss this high-energy, soul-lifting night with Harry Baker – World Poetry Slam Champion, viral TED Talk star, and one of the UK’s most captivating spoken word performers. Coming to Folkestone for one-night only as part of the Book Festival. In Wonderful!, Harry delivers a fast-paced, feel-everything mix of joy, humour and jaw-dropping wordplay. From […]
All aboard for an unforgettable series of train rides – with one extraordinary storyteller. Join award-winning travel writer Monisha Rajesh as she takes us on a lyrical, laughter-filled journey through her latest book, Moonlight Express: Around the World By Night Train – a beautifully observed account of navigating the globe after dark. Following the runaway […]
What if your anger isn’t something to fear – but a tool for clarity, courage and change? In a town like Folkestone – creative, complex, and full of people pushing for better – anger can be a vital emotional signal. But too often we’re told to stay quiet, stay nice, stay calm. In this powerful, […]
Last year, Folkestone made history – electing Tony Vaughan as its first-ever Labour MP after more than 70 years of Conservative rule. But earlier this year, Kent (along with many other parts of the country) swung hard to Reform. What happened? Where did the energy go? And is Keir Starmer’s Labour already losing touch with […]
Which drinks define us? From gin palaces to tequila shots, tonic fads to teetotalism – what do our choices say about class, identity and change? And in a town like Folkestone – built on bars, beer gardens and beachside boozers – how does alcohol shape who we are? Join cultural historian Dr Steven Parissien for […]
Tina, You Gotta See Her An electrifying celebration of the undisputed Queen of rock-n-roll, What's Love Gotta Do With It? - The Tina Turner Story is the ultimate night out for all fans of the iconic performer! Taking you on a whistlestop tour through her 50-year career, expect to hear all the hits, including Private […]
Desire is messy. Tender. Dangerous. Quiet. An unexpectedly wet kiss in the kitchen. A date gone very well indeed. Great sex thrills us, undoes us, comforts and sustains us – and when written well, it can stay with the reader forever. Join Leone Ross, award-winning author, editor and literary force, for a fearless, freeing writing […]
Lisa Jewell is one of the biggest names in dark psychological thrillers – and she’s coming to Folkestone. The UK’s most addictive writers, whose every novel dominates the charts and gets readers texting “OMG” at 2am, will take to the Quarterhouse stage for one night only – to talk all things murder, mystery and suspense. […]
Folkestone New Music Talk Artists David Matthews talks about his music.With a singular body of work spanning almost 60 years, David Matthews has established an international reputation as one of the leading symphonists of our time. ‘Few other living composers can deploy the classical virtues of clarity, tradition and restraint to such cogent ends’ (Tempo) Ticket […]