Go Folkestone

New Year's Eve Party
2024-12-31 19:00 - 2025-01-01 00:30 (Europe/London) | Burrito Buoy, 43 Tontine Street, Folkestone, CT20 1JT
Celebrate this New Years’ Eve in style at Burrito Buoy’s Studio 54 themed party!

Expect a night of dazzling disco and dancing with a soundtrack that defined 70s glitz and glamour.
Midnight prosecco toast included!
DJ: Jamie Bennet spinning disco classics and 70s/80s bangers.
Dress Code: Dress for the disco!
Ticket Fee: £6
https://www.instagram.com/burrito_buoy/?hl=en

New Year's Eve Party
2024-12-31 20:00 - 2025-01-01 01:00 | Radnor Park Bowls Club, CT19 5HY
Live Music with Just Ash; dancing. All welcome.
Bring your own food – free glass of Prosecco
Raffle
Only £16 per person

Tickets on sale at clubhouse or email folkestoneparkbc@gmail.com

Noel Redding Exhibition
2025-01-02 10:00 - 2025-01-31 16:00 | Folkestone Museum
Museum hours 10.00a.m. – 4.00p.m Exhibition closes 31st January at 4.00p.m.
The Noel Redding Project celebrates Folkestone’s very own rock star. Noel Redding played the bass in the legendary Jimi Hendrix Experience. With the support of Noel’s family, local fans are raising money for a statue of Noel. Join us at Folkestone Museum to learn more about Noel’s life and music!
Pick up some of the project’s merchandise in our shop to support the project. Members of the project team will also be at the museum every Friday to chat about Noel and their work.
folkestonemuseum.co.uk/whats-on/

Folkestone’s A Cappella Choir rehearse every Monday (except bank holidays)
2025-01-06 19:00 - 21:00 | The Music Workshop, 1b Town Walk, Folkestone, CT20 2AD
Interested in singing Folkestone’s A cappella meet at The Music Workshop from 7-9pm – everyone welcome, come and give us a try
or check out folkestonemusic.co.uk/gig/guide

Call for singers!!
2025-01-11 08:00 - 2025-01-12 17:00 | St George’s Church, Audley Road, Folkestone, CT20 3QA
Lovers of Gilbert and Sullivan
If you can sing and would like to take part in Iolanthe on 01 MARCH 1030 -4.30
Enrol IN ADVANCE via Email choirworkfolk@talktalk.net
£10 donation payable on the day.

Winter Bird Workshop
2025-01-11 10:30 - 15:30 | Folkestone Museum
Join our Winter Birds workshop and learn more about the life cycle of birds! We have lots of bird specimens in our collection which show the amazing variety of birds you see in Folkestone.
The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch runs on the 24th-26th of January. Every year, the RSPB asks people across the UK to count the number of birds they see in their garden. We’ve lost 38 million birds from British skies since 1979. Every bird you count (or don’t count!) is important information to track how birds are faring this winter.

Talking Heads
2025-01-11 19:30 - 21:30 | The Tower Theatre, North Road Shorncliffe, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3HL
FHODS present Alan Bennett’s much-loved dramatic Talking Heads monologues are coming to the Tower Theatre 14-15 February 2025. Darkly comic, tragically poignant and wonderfully uplifting, don’t miss this fantastic production.
Bed Among the Lentils – Susan is a vicar’s wife, suffocated by the expectations forced on her by her position and her husband’s over-zealous parishioners, finding a vision of God in an off-licence.
A Chip In The Sugar – Graham is his mam’s number one. But when they bump into semi-retired Mr Turnbull, Graham discovers she had a life pre-Dad and fully intends to have another.
Lady of Letters – Irene Ruddock dashes off letters with her trusty fountain pen, complaining about the failures of others. But when the police come by, it’s Irene who is in trouble.
Talking Heads was originally written in 1988 by Alan Bennett for a BBC TV series, starring amongst others Dame Maggie Smith and Dame Julie Walters, with Bennett himself taking on the role of Graham in A Chip in the Sugar. A second series was recorded in 1998 and was followed by a remake in 2020, which included performances from Jodie Comer, Martin Freeman, Dame Imelda Staunton and Lesley Manville.
This amateur production of “Bed Among the Lentils”, “A Chip In The Sugar” and “Lady of Letters” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk
Tickets:
Stalls – Standard – £18 | Members – £16
Gallery – Standard – £16 | Members – £14
Doors open one hour before the performance

Teeny Tiny Creatives
2025-01-14 11:00 - 12:00 | The Quarterhouse, CT20 1BN
Designed for children aged 0-5 and their caregivers, join us for a delightful journey of imaginative play and self-expression.
Have fun playing together and following your child’s lead as we dive into an immersive adventure, exploring the world of a storybook through art making and expressive movement. After an hour of creative activities, unwind with us for half an hour, enjoy a hot drink, and mingle with fellow participants. Feel free to bring snacks for your little ones!
We suggest wearing comfy clothes that you and your child can move around in easily. Sometimes things get a bit messy, and even though we use washable materials, you might not want to dress your kids or yourselves in your best outfits.
Stick around for a complimentary cup of tea or coffee at the end of the session!
This is a relaxed session and participants are welcome to leave and re-enter when they wish.
For 0 – 5 yrs old
Teeny Tiny Creatives is organized by On Solid Ground, a local community arts organization dedicated to fostering well-being through a blend of creativity and movement.
Repeated on 4th February
Tickets
£7 adult
£6 child
£1 child (0-6months)
£3 unwaged
Book this event online or email the box office at boxoffice@creativefolkestone.org.uk

Royal Ballet & Opera: The Tales of Hoffman - Screening
2025-01-15 06:30 - 17:00 | The Quarterhouse, CT20 1BN
Join us for a night of mystery and enchantment as the Royal Ballet & Opera present The Tales of Hoffmann at the Quarterhouse. This unique production blends the drama of opera with the grace of ballet, bringing to life the hauntingly beautiful stories of the poet Hoffmann and his quest for love.

Expect an evening of stunning visuals, captivating choreography, and powerful performances as Hoffmann recounts his adventures with three enigmatic women. This operatic masterpiece, filled with dark romance and fantastical elements, will transport you to a world where reality and imagination blur.
Ideal for audiences aged 12 and over, The Tales of Hoffmann offers a compelling experience for both opera enthusiasts and those new to the genre. The production’s rich narrative, combined with the elegance of ballet, promises to be an unforgettable evening that will leave you mesmerised.
The Royal Ballet & Opera are renowned for their exceptional interpretations of classic works, and The Tales of Hoffmann is no exception. With a history of performing on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, their rendition of this complex and emotive opera is sure to captivate and inspire.
Tickets
£14 Standard
£12 Concession
Book this event online or email the box office at boxoffice@creativefolkestone.org.uk
This event is a screening.

Bayle Music at The Grand
2025-01-18 17:00 - 19:00 | The Green Room, The Grand,, Folkestone, Select a State:, CT20 2XL, United Kingdom
London Bridge Trio – featuring Ben Hancox (violin), Cara Berridge (cello) and Daniel Tong (piano).
Tickets £15
All enquiries for Bayle Music 07723767624

Ensemble Moliere
2025-01-19 15:00 - 17:00 | The Green Room, The Grand,, Folkestone, Select a State:, CT20 2XL, United Kingdom
Folkestone Early Music invites you to the Green Room at The Grand will be transformed (musically) into the Palace of Versailles with a performance by the fabulous Ensemble Molière!
Tickets are £15 at the door and will be available to buy online as soon as can be organised.

'Folkestone Life & Community Potential'.
2025-01-25 14:00 - 16:00 | The Cornerstone Centre, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, CT20 2QR
Community 50/50 meeting. (Talk & Discussion)ABOUT THE TALK
After an introduction, there will be a 50/50 presentation – Jon O’Connor talking about his 50 years spent working with communities and schools, and what he has learnt from this work.
This will be followed by a Q&A panel session on the topic of 2025 – challenges for our community featuring Officer and Councillor representation from Folkestone & Hythe District Council with Jon O’Connor
There will be a Yes or No or Maybe presentation from Matthew Hahn of Folkestone Performing Arts Company on Planning for partnership.
And the day wraps up with Boo! An opportunity to (literally) give answers on a postcard.
We envisage finishing around 4.30pm.Doors open at 1:45pm for a 2.15pm start. Refreshments will be served.
ABOUT THE VENUE
The Back Hall is located within the Cornerstone Centre, formerly the United Reformed Church, next to Folkestone Central station. It is located on Castle Hill Avenue, near the junction with Cheriton Road. From the main entrance to the church, walk towards Kingsnorth Gardens and take the path behind the church, just before Bus Stop C.
The hall is on the ground floor with no stairs and has a disabled toilet. There is a slight step into the entrance and a couple of 90 degree turns to enter. If you have any accessibility needs, please visit the Contact Us page on our website so we can make arrangements for you, including on-site parking.

FHDC/AFRA/Sunflower House/ New Folkestone Soc
FREE

Sacconi Quartet will be hosting a residential coaching course involving two student string quartets
2025-01-25 17:30 - 19:30
On Jan 24/25/26 the , (the Apollo Quartet and the Chromium Quartet) from the Royal College of Music. This is an initiative designed to move the Sacconis education work from London to Folkestone.

There will be two sessions open to the public as follows:

Saturday January 25th 5.30-7.30pm An open Masterclass. This is free to attend and will take place in the dining room at The Grand

Sunday January 26th 3pm – the two student quartets will give a concert lasting no more than an hour. Again, this is free to attend and will take place in the dining room.

Everyone and anyone is welcome

There is no need to book

Any questions, do let me know

thanks
Matt

Matt Shipton
Project Manager
Sounds Folkestone
matt@soundsfolkestone.co.uk
www.soundsfolkestone.co.uk

Aladdin Pantomime
2025-01-30 14:30 - 16:00 | All Soul’s Church, Cheriton High St,, Folkestone, CT19 4HE
All Souls Drama Group present ‘Aladdin’.
All Souls Church (hall?) Jan30-31 + 01 FEBR 2.30 and 7.30pm

Tickets £7 Adult – Child £3.50
Contact Hugh -01303 278157 or W.Martin’s Ch’ High Street

Macbeth live screening
2025-02-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Silver Screen Cinema, The Town Hall, Guildhall St, Folkestone, CT20 1DY
David Tennant and Cush Jumbo lead a stellar cast in a new 5-star production of Shakespeare’s MACBETH, filmed live at the Donmar Warehouse in London, especially for the big screen.
Unsettling intimacy and brutal action combine at breakneck speed as Max Webster (Life of Pi, Henry V) directs this tragic tale of love, murder, and nature’s power of renewal.
5th February and again on 9th .
Price
£12 Adult / £10 Concession

Fiona McCapra – violin & Adrian Bradbury – cello
2025-02-06 19:30 - 21:00 | The Green Room, The Grand,, Folkestone, Select a State:, CT20 2XL, United Kingdom
Promoter
Folkestone New Music
Date

Fiona McCapra and Adrian Bradbury perform Ravel’s magnificent Sonata for Violin and Cello in a concert which also includes music by Haydn, Villa-Lobos and Betsy Jolas, plus Stravinsky’s arrangement of La Marseillaise and Sibelius’s Raindrops (written when he was just ten years old).
Fiona McCapra has performed and recorded with groups such as Endymion, Gaudier and the Nash Ensemble. A former member of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, with whom she still performs, Fiona is now a member of both Britten Sinfonia and the City of London Sinfonia.
Adrian Bradbury is a regular guest principal player with orchestras including BBC Symphony Orchestra, English National Opera, Ensemble Modern, London Sinfonietta, London Symphony Orchestra and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Ticket Prices
Tickets £15 on the door or online
Booking
http://www.tickettailor.com/events/folkestonenewmusic/1522328

Victorian Photograph Frames Family Workshop
2025-02-08 10:30 - 13:00 | Folkestone Museum
Join us at the museum for this week’s Make It! Family workshop, and make your own lacy Victorian photograph frame.

Queen Victoria wore lace on her wedding day and kicked off a new craze for the Victorians. Lace was once an expensive luxury made by skilled female crafters – but in the 19th century, mass produced lace was created. The Victorians used scraps of this cheaper lace everywhere, including in their home decorating! Join us to make your own lace decorated photo frame to take home (Victorian photograph not included!)
Sessions run from 10:30 to 12:45 and 1:30 to 3:30.

Folkestone Baroque Ensemble – Telemania
2025-02-16 15:00 - 17:00 | The Green Room, The Grand,, Folkestone, Select a State:, CT20 2XL, United Kingdom
Promoter
Folkestone Early Music

The next event sees the return of the Folkestone Baroque Ensemble, Folkestone’s very own, in Telemania, a fabulous programme dedicated entirely to the works of Georg Philipp Telemann.

The most prolific composer of the entire Baroque period, friend of Bach and godfather to his son CPE Bach, Telemann was equally at home in the Italian and French idioms, his music often laced with an exotic folk element absorbed from his trips to Eastern Europe (particularly Poland).

The programme includes two of his greatest chamber masterpieces, the ‘Paris Quartets’ as well as a trio sonata and one of his Fantasias for solo violin.
Ticket Prices
£15 on the door or online (£1 booking fee online)
Booking
Book tickets here

An Evening with Inbetweeners' Joe Thomas
2025-02-19 19:30 - 21:30 | The Quarterhouse, CT20 1BN
It wasn’t long after audiences were first introduced to hapless sixth-formers Will McKenzie, Neil Sutherland, Jay Cartright and Simon Cooper that The Inbetweeners became one of the nation’s best loved shows. With its endlessly quotable lines and outrageous laugh-per-second banter, the sitcom attracted record-breaking viewing figures and inspired two incredibly successful feature films.
Celebrating seventeen years since the show’s debut, Joe Thomas aka Simon Cooper is here in-conversation all about the series and taking questions from the audience. Hearing all about Joe’s favourite Inbetweeners moments and behind the scenes misadventures, as well as its impact on his own life as an actor comedian, this promises to be an exciting evening of humour and insight from one of the nation’s best loved young sitcom stars. We’ll also, of course, be touching on Joe’s other work, including Fresh Meat, White Gold and TaskMaster!
Joe is happy to stay around for a short while after the show, meet fans and take pictures!
It contains very strong language and sexual references used throughout.
Age Restrictions
14+, under 16’s to be accompanied by an adult
Tickets
£20
Book this event online or email the box office at boxoffice@creativefolkestone.org.uk

Mayor of Folkestone's Art Auction
2025-02-21 19:00 - 22:00 | Burlington Hotel, 3-5 Earls Avenue, Folkestone, CT20 2HR, United Kingdom
In aid of the Mayor’s Charities.
Enjoy a 3 course meal – music – local art – art experiences.
More details: email georginawilson@folkestone-tc.gov.uk

Elizabeth Fry a talk by Jean Hatton
2025-02-22 14:30 - 17:00 | The Cornerstone Centre, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, CT20 2QR
New Folkestone Society invite you to learn the fascinating story of Elizabeth Fry, one of the most well-known women of the first half of the 19th century. Her achievements as a prison reformer, social reformer and philanthropist earned her a place on the back of the £5 note for 15 years prior to the introduction of plastic notes. But what is her connection to Kent, including Sandgate and Ramsgate?

Jean Hatton wrote a biography of Elizabeth – Betsy: The Story Of A Courageous, Complex Woman Who Defied Social Conventions – and has spoken internationally and on television about her life. Jean has lived in Folkestone since 2015.
The doors open 2pm for a 2.30pm start
The Back Hall, The Cornerstone Centre, Castle Hill Ave, Folkestone CT20 2QR
Admission £5

For more details including directions to the venue and to book fee-free, visit our website. Tickets on the door will be subject to availability – cash or card accepted.

Very Special Recital dedicated to Anne Hancox
2025-02-22 15:00 - 17:00 | The Green Room, The Grand,, Folkestone, Select a State:, CT20 2XL, United Kingdom
During the weekend of 22-23 February there will be two opportunities to attend a very special recital as part of the Bayle Music and Canterbury Music Club 2024-5 seasons dedicated in memoriam Anne (Hancox) whose love of words and music manifested itself so wonderfully both in her dramatic performances and singing. Both concerts are at 15.00.
The programme reflects the passion she displayed for the connection between words and music including as it does, songs that she loved, studied and performed whilst the Sitwell texts of Façade , to the music of William Walton, she narrated on three occasions in performances that we shared together.
Additionally all the celebrated musicians performing during the weekend were associated with Anne throughout our life spent together in Canterbury and for the past nine years in Folkestone.
It is both humbling and a great pleasure to have the opportunity to draw together these threads of a life so well lived in words and music through the wonderful performers who will be singing and playing this every special concert.
***********************************************************************************
The programme:
Songs of Travel Vaughan Williams
Matthew Rose and Anna Tilbrook
Three songs by Gabriel Fauré
Linda Hirst and Anna Tilbrook
Chanson d’amour
Les berceux
Automne

Down by the Salley Gardens Benjamin Britten
Sea Fever John Ireland
An die Musik Franz Schubert
Matthew Rose and Anna Tilbrook
Interval

Façade an Entertainment Walton
Linda Hirst and Matthew Rose narrators
Grand Mansions Collective
Directed by Anna Tilbrook
******************************************************************************
Please do come in memoriam Anne.
Tickets are on sale now;
For Folkestone https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/bayle-music
For Canterbury
https://thegulbenkian.co.uk/events/canterbury-music-club-facade/
Following each concert there will be a collection for Motor Neurone Disease Research
https://www.mndassociation.org
Grenville

Chump's Comedy
2025-02-23 20:00 - 22:00 | The Quarterhouse, CT20 1BN
Get ready to laugh out loud as we launch the very first Chump’s Comedy Club at Creative Folkestone Quarterhouse! Featuring a stellar line-up, this unmissable night of comedy brings you Sindhu Vee, Daniel Foxx, Jack Skipper, and Lou Wall, all hosted by the brilliant Kit Proudfoot.
Chump’s Comedy, originating from Margate, has quickly gained a reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting stand-up nights. They’ve brought a diverse mix of household names and the best new acts to buzzing sold-out crowds.
This event marks the start of an exciting new collaboration between Chump’s Comedy and Creative Folkestone, aiming to bring top-tier stand-up comedy to Folkestone on a regular basis. Whether you’re a comedy aficionado or looking for a great night out, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a hilarious evening while supporting a new cultural venture in our town.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the first of many laugh-filled nights. Gather your friends, grab your tickets, and join us in celebrating the launch of this fantastic comedy series.
Tickets
£16 standard
Doors 7pm
Book this event online or email the box office at boxoffice@creativefolkestone.org.uk

National Theatre Live Filming - The Importance of Being Earnest
2025-02-26 19:00 - 21:00
The Importance of being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde, directed by Max Webster.
Three-time Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke is joined by Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who; Sex Education) in this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy.
While assuming the role of a dutiful guardian in the country, Jack lets loose in town under a false identity. Meanwhile, his friend Algy adopts a similar facade. Hoping to impress two eligible ladies, the gentlemen find themselves caught in a web of lies they must carefully navigate.
Max Webster (Life of Pi) directs this hilarious story of identity, impersonation and romance, filmed live from the National Theatre in London.
Age Restrictions
Cert 12A
Tickets
£12.00 Concession
£14.00 Standard
Book this event online or email the box office at boxoffice@creativefolkestone.org.uk

Mark Simpson (clarinet) – concert & Wiebke Pöpel’s film ‘My Way’
2025-02-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Kollectiv, 69 Old High Street, CT20 1RN
Promoter
Folkestone New Music
Type of event
Concert & Film
Artists
Mark Simpson (clarinet)
Programme
Over the past fifty years German composer Helmut Lachenmann has shaped contemporary music with his ‘Musique Concrete Instrumentale’- a unique noise music in which players use all parts of their instruments to make extraordinary new sounds.
Mark Simpson is introducing and playing Lachenmann’s extraordinary clarinet piece, Dal Niente. The music comes out of silence, from nothing, from the nature of the clarinet itself- wood, breath, and the weight of the keys.
An exclusive film screening will follow – Wiebke Pöpel’s award-winning film, ‘My Way’. The film depicts a portrait of Helmut Lachenmann, approaching the music and its captivating protagonist in a very personal, engaging, and often humorous way.
Ticket Prices
£15 on the door or online
Booking
Book tickets here

Royal Ballet & Opera: Swan Lake
2025-02-27 19:00 - 21:30 | The Quarterhouse, CT20 1BN
Classical ballet’s most powerful tale of love, treachery and forgiveness. Bringing together

Tchaikovsky’s sensational score with the incredible imagination of choreographer Liam Scarlett and designer John Macfarlane, Swan Lake on the big screen will be an exceptional way to experience this ultimate ballet classicThis event is a screening.
Tickets
£14 Standard
£12 Concession
Book this event online or email the box office at boxoffice@creativefolkestone.org.uk

The Opera Boys in A Night at the Musicals
2025-02-28 19:30 - 21:30 | The Tower Theatre, North Road Shorncliffe, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3HL
The Opera Boys return with their Sell-Out show A Night at the Musicals, a fabulous evening of power-house vocals, immaculate 4-part harmony, breath-taking musical medleys, and stunning solo performances…all delivered with the charm, style and sense of humour that the boys have become known for.
Whether you’re a fan of modern day smash hit musicals like Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia, Wicked and Frozen, prefer the classics from Cole Porter, George Gershwin and Rodgers & Hammerstein, or adore the definitive masterpieces like Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera and West Side Story, this show has something for everyone and is perfect for musical theatre lovers both young and old.
With beautiful vocal arrangements, spectacular close part harmony and a great line in humour, The Opera Boys have been delighting audiences all over the world with their unique show combining beautiful, powerful and emotional music with funny, engaging and light-hearted entertainment.
The boys trained at some of the UK’s finest schools including The Royal Academy of Music, and have each become highly successful performers in their own right. Between them they have performed lead roles on London’s West End and on Broadway in New York. They have performed as backing vocalists to some of the world’s biggest superstars including Russell Watson, Robbie Williams, Tom Jones and Elton John, and in 2015 one of the boys appeared as part of the Belgian entry for The Eurovision Song Contest, performing to a global audience of 200 million, and placing a very respectable 4th in the competition!
Together the boys have performed in theatres and concert halls throughout the UK and have travelled all over the world performing their show. In 2018 they performed as soloists with The National Symphony Orchestra.
They have been invited to perform at a number of prestigious events, including the10th Anniversary of the world’s most famous cruise ship, Cunard’s superliner Queen Mary 2, and the inaugural voyage of P&O’s largest cruise ship Britannia, launched by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Tickets £25
Doors from 6.30pm

A Beginners Quiltmaking Course.- The Stitchist presents.
2025-03-01 14:00 - 16:00 | Folkestone Bookshop, Tontine Street, Folkestone, CT20 1JP
MARCH – 01.08,15+22nd 2-4pm

£10 per session or £35 in advance Bring own cloth -eg old clothes.
Contact 07426 976676 E b the stitchistswes@gmail.com / Insta..
NOTE – From February- Bookshop weekend open times will change
Sats 11 -5.30 // Suns 10am -3pm.

The Requiems of Gabriel Faure and Maurice Durufle
2025-03-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Holy Trinity Church, Sandagte Road, Folkestone, CT20 2HQ
Canterbury Chamber Choir conducted by Peter Futcher
Organist: Paul Stubbings
Baritone Soloist: Jon Williams
Tickets £10 – under 16’s free On the door or
www.ticketsource.co.uk/canterburychamberchoir

INVICTA BASS
2025-03-01 19:00 - 2025-03-02 00:00 | F51 SKATE PARK, Folkestone, CT20 1SD
Invicta Bass The Launch F51 Skatepark
A collaboration of local DJ’s, bringing the best in Bass music to Folkestone
Breaks, Garage Classics, House Classics & DNB

Desbo 7pm til 8pm – House Classics
Fordy 8pm til 9pm – Breaks
Clinchy b2b Softmits 9pm til 10pm – Garage Classics
Clinchy b2b Softmits – DNB Classics Old & New
COST

£10.00
