Go Folkestone

National Theatre Live: Dear England Thu 25 Jan, 7pm
2024-01-25 19:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | Quarterhouse, Mill Bay, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 1BN, United Kingdom
A new play by James Graham
directed by Rupert Goold
Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale) plays Gareth Southgate in James Graham’s
(Sherwood) gripping examination of nation and game.
The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why
can’t England’s men win at their own game?
With the worst track record for penalties in the world, Gareth Southgate knows he needs to
open his mind and face up to the years of hurt, to take the team and country back to the
promised land.
Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Rupert Goold (Judy) directs this spectacular
new play.
Tickets
£14
Book this event online or email the box office at boxoffice@creativefolkestone.org.uk

Folkestone Hula Hoop Class - Weekly Class 2024
2024-01-25 18:30 - 19:30 | Folkestone Glassworks, Block 67,, Folkestone,, CT20 1JG
Thursday, January 25

Come join us for a fun-filled weekly hula hoop class in Folkestone starting on January 25th, 2024 at 18:30 at Glassworks!

About this event

Folkestone Hula Hoop Class Taster Lesson!
18:30 to 19:30 Class Time: You will be led in a one hour lesson mixed with hula hoop tricks, fitness and dance.
19:30 to 20:30 Self Training: After class, there will be a whole hour where attendees will be able to freely train and refine skills. It’s an opportunity to train new things, meet others, and ask the instructor for more 1-2-1 help.
Come join us for our fun and energetic hula hoop class in Folkestone! Whether you’re a beginner or have been hooping for years, our in-person classes will help you improve your skills, get fit, and have a great time in the cold months of 2024!
From January 25th to March 28th 2024 we will begin regular weekly classes, so please spread the word!
Our experienced instructors will guide you through a variety of hula hoop techniques and tricks, helping you master the art of hooping in a supportive and friendly environment.
No need to bring your own hoop – we have plenty for you to use during the class. Just come wearing comfortable clothing and be ready to have a blast!
Important Information (please read before booking)

Please follow our Facebook page with important updates on classes! @Folkestonehulahoopers
Limited Spaces – recommend to book in advance.
Bundle Class Booking: After securing your place, the organiser will be in touch to see what dates you would like to attend, but remember buying this bundle does not guarantee you a spot to any class without confirming in advance.
Please Arrive 5 minutes prior / Late Attendees Accepted
All Genders Welcome / LGBTQIA+ Friendly Space
For Ages 17+
Hula Hoops Provided
Wheel Chair Accessible
Tickets are non refundable but transferable to someone else.

About the Instructor
Symoné is a Guinness World Recording Holding alternative circus and performance artist based in the U.K from Washington D.C. Her work is about exploring what circus is and could be. Her performance fuse her movement based skills, such as high heel roller skates with hula hoops, pole dance, and voguing, in skilled and high energy shows.
Since 2016, she has traveled internationally working in 10 different countries with memorable highlights such as rollerskating with Nile Rodgers, performing alongside Peaches, in the Caribbean at Machel Monday Trinidad’s largest concert, and performing on West End stages with Chris Cox and La Soiree
She has also performed wih ASOS, Jon Hopkins, Omi, Samsung, Kurt Geiger, and Paul Smith and had editorial features in Time Out, Instagram, QX Magazine, Diva and The Stage.
www.symoneperformingartist.com
Contact: symone.artist@gmail.com

By Symoné

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Royal Opera House Live: Rusalka
2024-01-24 18:30 - 20:30 | The Quarterhouse, CT20 1BN
Rusalka, a water spirit, lives with her family in the pure waters of the forest lake. When she falls in love with a Prince, she sacrifices her voice and leaves her home in the hope of finding true love in a new world – a world that does not love her back. Natalie Abrahami and Ann Yee create a poetic, contemporary new staging of Dvořák’s lyric fairy tale, revealing our uneasy relationship with the natural world and humanity’s attempts to own and tame it. Semyon Bychkov conducts an all-star cast featuring Asmik Grigorian (Jenůfa) in the title role.
Tickets
£14
£12
Book this event online or email the box office at boxoffice@creativefolkestone.org.uk

GRAND MANSIONS COLLECTIVE
2024-01-20 15:00 - 17:00 | The Grand
More information from The Green Room at the Grand

Winter with Ukraine
2024-01-20 11:00 - 15:00 | The Parish Church of St Mary and St Eanswythe, Church Street,, Folkestone, CT20 1SW
Everyone is invited to join the celebrations in this Ukrainian Fair. They will share their traditions with songs, dance and many types of Ukrainian sweets and cakes to share. All celebrating the Ukrainian winter holidays: Christmas, New year and Epiphany. There will also be a photo exhibition. Everyone is welcome and all donations will go toward the Organ appeal

Quarterhouse Lates: Mumdad Soundsystem
2024-01-19 20:00 - 23:00 | The Quarterhouse, CT20 1BN
The wheels of steel. The platters that matter. Join MUMDAD Records’ head honchos for a night of crowd-pleasers and brain teasers. A mashup of 2000s indie, electro and throwback rock. The perfect party to follow punk rock legends Buzzcocks!
dance-a-long funk, pop, electronica and all round festival vibes!
For more information click here.
Quarterhouse Lates is our new, regular Friday night of dancing and good times in The Clearing at Quarterhouse. Your weekly fix of good times and dancing until 1am.
This event is free entry and strictly 18+.

SPECIAL CONCERT: BRITTEN CEREMONY OF CAROLS
2023-12-23 15:00 - 17:00 | The Grand
Bayle Cantata with Alex Rider (harp)

BONAFIDE TROMBONE QUARTET
2023-12-16 | The Grand
“BONE-AFIDE is a chamber ensemble made up of some of the UK’s leading young trombonists, who all currently study in London at the Royal Academy of Music. The group performs works from all genres and periods, whilst readily commissioning new works with the aim to re-create the Trombone Quartet repertoire. In 2020, the Quartet became joint winners of the International Trombone Association Quartet Competition, as well as becoming recipients of the prestigious Tunnell Trust Award. After a successful audition in May this year, BONE-AFIDE are thrilled to have won the Royal Philharmonic Society Philip Jones Prize. The members of BONE-AFIDE are Chris Brewster, Angus Butt, Isobel Daws, and Merin Rhyd.”
More details from The Green Room at the Grand

Vision - Folkestone The imagined testimony of the extraordinary medieval abbess Hildegard of Bingen alongside her haunting chant.
2023-11-25 19:00 - 21:00 | The Parish Church of St Mary and St Eanswythe, Church Street,, Folkestone, CT20 1SW
About the event

“[The singers] are mesmerising in the music. An austerely beautiful piece about a woman whose faith gave her extraordinary strength and courage”
The Guardian
A concertplay (where music and theatre collide) written by Clare Norburn and directed by BAFTA-nominated Nicholas Renton.
Vision explores the extraordinary life of the visionary medieval abbess Hildegard of Bingen, providing an insight into the painful and visceral visionary experiences Hildegard suffered throughout her life. It is “an imagined testimony” as Hildegard, played by actor Teresa Banham (subject to availability), revisits and re-experiences meaningful memories alongside her haunting and distinctive chant, with full staging and stunning lighting.
Plus, from 7pm, Folkestone History Society will give a 30-minute talk on St Eanswythe, an Anglo-Saxon princess, who is said to have founded Folkestone Priory, one of the first Christian monastic communities for women in Britain.
The performance will start at 7.45pm and last approx. 1 hour with no interval.
Line Up
Teresa Banham, actor as Hildegard (subject to availability)
Clare Norburn, singer
Clemmie Franks, singer
Jean Kelly, harp
Supported by a grant from Angel Early Music.
Including pre-concert talk from Folkestone History Society 7pm-7.30pm

GRAND MANSIONS COLLECTIVE
2023-11-18 15:00 - 17:00 | The Grand
Grand Mansions Collective, Marianne Kelly Piano

The Green Room at the Grand (Entry via Metropole Road East), Folkestone, CT20 2LR

Kim-Joy: Bake Me Happy
2023-11-17 19:00 - 21:00 | The Quarterhouse, CT20 1BN
Kim-Joy loves magical bonkers things, delighting Great British Bake Off fans with her cute animal bakes, joyful personality and quirky dress sense.

Following cookbooks and a Guardian baking column, Kim-Joy’s first graphic novel, Turtle Bread, follows the story of Yan, a socially anxious young woman, who joins a baking club and slowly comes out of her shell. Illustrated by Alti Firmansyah, it references her background as a mental-health practitioner, as well as her own social anxiety, while featuring recipes for such treats as ‘pigfiteroles’ and – of course – turtle bread.
Kim-Joy will discuss writing, baking and mental health with graphic novelist and cartoon historian Nicola Streeten, author of Billy, Me & You: A Memoir of Grief and Recovery, and The Inking Woman: 250 years of Women Cartoon and Comic Artists in Britain.
Click here for more information about Kim-Joy and all of her magical bakes.
Don’t miss the Creative Quarter Christmas Light Switch On at 5.30pm outside Objectables on the Old High Street. KimJoy will be doing this year’s big festive light switch on.
Age Restrictions

No Age Restriction
Tickets
£12 Standard
£8 Concession
£5 Cost of Living
PLEASE NOTE: Concessionary rates apply to under 21s, full time students, registered unemployed and registered disabled – just show us proof of status.

FOLKESTONE BOOK FESTIVAL
2023-11-17 | The Quarterhouse, CT20 1BN
Enjoy all of this year’s Book Festival talks and events with your Book Festival Pass.
Book your festival pass now and enjoy the whole festival this November.
Please note, for your festival pass to work, you must complete the purchase of the pass before booking events. Once the pass is applied to your account all individual Book Festival bookings will be included in your pass.
If you have any questions please contact the Box Office team boxoffice@creativefolkestone.org.uk
________
Folkestone Book Festival is our annual celebration of books, ideas, reading and writing in its many magical forms. This year’s festival has been curated by Jen Thatcher and James Harkin. Curating the festival for the first time, Jen and James have been inspired by Folkestone and how we can all come together through inspired discussion about global ideas, global thinking and possible futures.
________
This year’s festival is for everyone and we want to make it possible for more people than ever before to be able to come together and enjoy a packed festival. To make this possible we have introduced a £5 ticket. This is a no questions asked ticket for those that may be struggling to afford events and performances.

Folkestone Symphony’s Autumn Concert
2023-11-11 19:30 - 21:30 | Holy Trinity Church, Sandagte Road, Folkestone, CT20 2HQ
Yes! the outstanding Korean born violinist Joo Yeon Sir, who played the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto with us in the Leas Cliff Hall in July last year, is returning to perform with us yet again! We have no doubt whatsoever, that she will have you spellbound in her performance of Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy.
The programme of music for this concert will be:
· Smetana Vltava (The Moldau)
· Bruch Scottish Fantasy Op.46 Soloist: Joo Yeon Sir
· Sibelius Symphony No.5 Op.82

As usual, full comprehensive programme notes on each piece will be given in our concert programme, so do make sure that you purchase one on arrival …….
Whilst we understand that parking in the vicinity of Holy Trinity Church can be difficult, I’m pleased to say that we have again organised a special arrangement with Folkestone & Hythe District Council for the Leas Cliff Hall car park (entrance in Sandgate Road) to remain open on all our concert evenings this Season, until 11pm. This is an extension to the normal closure time of 9pm (unless there is a show on in the LCH). It’s only a 7 minute walk from there to the Church – and what’s more, parking is free after 6pm!!

You can obtain your Tickets for this concert at:
· Online via the Folkestone Symphony website: www.folkestonesymphony.org/shop/tickets
· Pilgrims Hospice Charity Shops: 49-51 Sandgate Road, Folkestone and 61 High Street, Hythe (cash only)
· Or on the door at the Church on the night (with cash or card payments)

Walking with Ghosts
2023-11-11 16:00 - 2023-11-12 22:00 | Folkestone Harbour Arm, Folkestone, CT20 1QQ
Walking with Ghosts immersive art experience at the harbour station. This is likely to take place on each day between 4pm and 10pm, to be confirmed.
This is an initiative driven by Professor Helen Brooks of the University of Kent, Canterbury with interest and some funding from the Imperial War Museum. The Folkestone Harbour Company (FHC) is also keen to engage, as are the other amenity groups in the town.

ABIGAIL'S PARTY
2023-11-09 19:30 - 2023-11-11 22:00 | The Tower Theatre, North Road Shorncliffe, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3HL
FHODS are proud to present Abigail’s Party, Mike Leigh’s masterpiece of 70s theatre that gives the audience a chilling yet hilarious glimpse into a suburban soirée that turns to tension and tragedy.
Beverly and Laurence are a married couple whose love language is passive aggression, and things come to a cringe-inducing head when their friends and neighbours, Angela and Tony, come over for drinks and nibbles with a side of hostility.
When Susan joins the melting pot to get away from her teenage daughter Abigail’s birthday party a few doors down, the audience get to witness the hilarious chaos that comes to a head when five people who have nothing in common and no love for each other are pushed into a claustrophobic, obnoxiously decorated living room and pumped full of booze.
Expect drama, hilarity, cutting dialogue and an abject, unforgettable lesson in how to host the house party from hell!
Thursday 9th November – Saturday 11th November 7.30p.m. start
Stalls
Adults £16 | Members £14
Gallery
Adults £14 | Members £12
Doors open one hour before the performance

THE TIMELESS SONGS OF BARBARA STREISAND
2023-11-04 19:30 - 22:00 | The Tower Theatre, North Road Shorncliffe, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3HL
Top vocalist Sue Caroline presents an acclaimed showcase of The Timeless Songs of Barbra Streisand, featuring a live band, creating a stunning and captivating tribute to one of most iconic singers of our time.
Sue Caroline and The Andy Wall Band present a captivating show featuring songs from Barbra’s Timeless Concert Tour in the year 2000, together with other iconic songs including The Way We Were, Evergreen, Woman in Love, Don’t Rain on My Parade, You Don’t Bring Me Flowers and many more.
This fantastic show will take the audience on a musical journey through Barbra’s life and career, so whether you are a fan of Barbra Streisand, or a fan of quality and great music, this is the show for you.
Tickets £16.50
Unreserved seating | Doors open 6.30pm

Handel - Messiah
2023-11-04 15:00 - 17:00 | Holy Trinity Church, Sandagte Road, Folkestone, CT20 2HQ
Folkestone Choral Society and Orchestra with Conductor Lucy Gove
Tickets £15 under 18’s free of charge

DISCOBILITY
2023-11-02 19:00 - 21:00 | The Tower Theatre, North Road Shorncliffe, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3HL
Discobility is a new event for adults in the community with learning disabilities/additional needs, to have fun, dance, and meet others. We are offering a safe space with plenty of parking, disabled access, accessible toilet (no hoist) and great tunes for adults (18+ due to bar being open) with learning disabilities and their carer/parent/family member (ticket holders to be accompanied throughout the evening).

So join us and show off your best dance moves to all of your favourite tunes played by fabulous DJs!
Bar with snacks for sale throughout the evening.
Tickets £5 (accompanying carer goes free)
Bookable only by phone 01303 223925
Strictly 18+

Life Drawing (Un-Tutored)
2023-10-31 10:00 - 12:00 | The Art Haus, 3 Grace Hill, Folkestone, CT20 1HA
For experienced portrait artists who don’t want a teacher.
Class Description
A two hour session in our upstairs space – we’ll provide the chairs + boards, the model and the refreshments, you’ll provide everything else!

Cost £15

Book Now

GEOFF NORCOTT: BASIC BLOKE
2023-10-26 20:00 - 22:00 | The Quarterhouse, CT20 1BN
New national tour for star of Have I Got News For You, A League Of Their Own, The Last Leg, Would I Lie to You?, Live At The Apollo, 8 Out of Ten Cats, Backstage With Katherine Ryan and many more!
On this his sixth UK tour, Geoff Norcott will be trying to make sense of the current cultural and political scene with his playfully provocative brand of humour. As well as casting his everyman eye over what’s happening in wider society, Geoff is trying to unpick what’s happening with your average bloke. Remember them?
Taking up his own bloke’s-eye-view, Geoff can see that despite the social media vortex, your man in the street, average Joe, man on the Clapham Omnibus and your John Smiths just keep plodding on, fuelled by a diet of football, sheds, super-hero films, sporting autobiographies, wearing socks at all times and strategically burying feelings when necessary.
A kindly and funny stock-take of both himself his fellow man, BASIC BLOKE unlocks some of the more complicated behaviour of your husbands, dads and brothers.
Age Restrictions
16 Years +
Tickets
£17 Standard
Book this event online or email the box office at boxoffice@creativefolkestone.org.uk

Go Folkestone Members Special Extra Meeting
2023-10-26 18:45 - 20:00 | Wards Hotel, Earl's Avenue, Folkestone, CT20 2HB, United Kingdom
*** UPDATE: the meeting with Sir Roger de Haan on Thursday 26th October has been changed from Wards Hotel to Three Hills Sports Park, Cheriton Rd, Folkestone CT19 5JU. ***
For details see https://community.serclients.space/go-folkestone-members-special-extra-meeting/.

Kosmos Ensemble
2023-10-21 15:00 - 17:00 | The Grand
Harriet Mackenzie – violinMeg-Rosaleen Hamilton – viola
Miloš Milivojević – accordion
The members of Kosmos have travelled extensively, performing with musicians all over the world, as well as within the broad multiculturalism of London’s music scene. They have collectively studied music from North Africa, the Middle East, Jewish, Balkan and Gypsy music, Argentine tango, flamenco, Celtic and jazz traditions as well as contemporary classical music. They combine all their knowledge with a respect for their own Western classical music training, performing freely with panache, innovation and creativity, incorporating improvisation into their own unique arrangements and compositions.
Kosmos has performed across Europe as well as at the UK’s most prestigious music festivals. Performing highlights include London’s Southbank Centre, Royal Albert Hall, Institute of Contemporary Arts, Kings Place, Padova River Festival (Italy), Festival Estival (Poland), Hydra Festival (Greece), Leeds International Concert Season, Oundel, Ryedale, Swaledale, Deal, Wales and Wimbledon International Festivals, tours of the the Channel Islands, Scotland and Wales. Broadcasts include BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM. 2018 saw Kosmos performing a triple concerto specially written for the ensemble by the eminent composer Errollyn Wallen. The premiere took place at the Jersey Liberation Festival with the Jersey Chamber Orchestra and subsequent performances include Chichester Cathedral with the Worthing Symphony Orchestra and the Beaumaris and Tintern Abbey Festival with the Welsh Chamber Orchestra.

Ticket Prices
£18 online or on the door
Booking
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/bayle-music
To add your name to our email circulation list please send your contact details to bayleman@gmail.com

FOLKESTONE ART SOCIETY MASTERCLASSES: NEW YORK CITYSCAPE PAINTING
2023-10-21 13:00 - 16:00 | Baptist Church, 135 Hill Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 6LY
Csilla is a professional cityscape artist who draws inspiration from cities around the world. She will be working in acrylics. The class will concentrate on the elements of how to paint a cityscape. The emphasis will be on using acrylics but students are welcome to choose what medium they like to work with.
Open to: Everyone! No experience required.
What to bring: Artists should bring either prepared paper, canvas or board (any size). Please also bring mixed brush sizes, water pot, apron, wet wipes, table/floor protectors, paints, standing easel or desk easel. Some materials and easels are available to use.
£10 member and £15 non-member.

RAVE ON THE RISE OF ROCK AND ROLL STARRING THE BLUEJAYS
2023-10-20 19:30 - 22:00 | The Tower Theatre, North Road Shorncliffe, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3HL
Back by popular demand after sell out shows in 2021 & 2022!
Rave On is the 50s and 60s musical sensation sweeping the nation. Charting the meteoric rise of Rock and Roll, Rave On is a thrilling tour through music’s most revolutionary decades. Prepare to be enthralled with an evening of back to back hits, vibrant vintage costumes, colourful staging and plenty of dancing in the aisles!
Featuring note perfect renditions of the most loved songs from the 50s and 60s, Rave On is performed by an incredibly talented, era-obsessed group of young musicians. From the emergence of Rock and Roll at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee to the British Invasion and beyond, this is a musical adventure you won’t want to miss. Rave On features hits from the likes of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, Connie Francis, Neil Sedaka, Little Richard, Roy Orbison, Lulu, The Beach Boys and many more.
Rave On is a musical experience like no other, with leading performers from West End Productions The Buddy Holly Story, Million Dollar Quartet and Dreamboats & Petticoats, Rave On transports you back to the fabulous 50’s and swinging 60’s in stunningly authentic style.
Tickets £22.50 | £20.50 Concessions (over 65s & full time students)
Doors 6.30pm

Mark Simpson will be joined by Richard Uttley (piano) to perform a fascinating programme of his compositions alongside the two Brahms Clarinet Sonatas.
2023-10-20 19:30 - 21:30 | The Grand
The world-renowned clarinettist, composer, Folkestone resident and President of Bayle Music, Mark Simpson will be joined by Richard Uttley (piano) to perform a fascinating programme of his compositions alongside the two Brahms Clarinet Sonatas.

Noted for the integrity and breadth of his musicianship as soloist, chamber musician and recording artist, Richard Uttley has been recognised for his ‘musical intelligence and pristine facility’ (International Record Review), ‘amazing decisiveness’, and ‘tumultuous performance’ (Daily Telegraph).

Since winning both the BBC Young Composer and Musician of the Year – the only artist to have done so – Mark has established himself as a major voice on the international stage, with a worldwide reputation for both his playing and writing. Yet, it would be wrong to describe Mark as either a clarinettist or composer. His musical life is a symbiosis of his performing on the concert platform and pouring over his manuscripts.

Tickets are available at Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mark-simpson-clarinet-richard-uttley-piano-tickets-714492705917

Mark Simpson (clarinet) & Richard Uttley (piano) – Concert
2023-10-20 19:30 - 21:30 | The Grand
Mark Simpson is a leading talent among young British composer-instrumentalists. He has appeared as a soloist with Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic, BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Northern Sinfonia. As a composer he has written works for London Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, National Youth Orchestra and Britten Sinfonia.

Recently Richard Uttley has played the Gershwin and John Ireland piano concertos, and given recitals at Prussia Cove, the Musikverein in Vienna, Elbphilharmonie and in Hamburg, in Brussels, Lisbon and the Wigmore Hall.

Programme
Simpson Lov(escape), for clarinet and piano
Simpson Barkham fantasy, for piano
Brahms Clarinet Sonata in E flat
Simpson Darkness Moves, for solo clarinet
Simpson Echoes and Embers, for clarinet and piano
Brahms Clarinet Sonata in F minor
Ticket Prices
£15 on the door, cash or card

PAUL FOOT: DISSOLVE
2023-10-19 20:00 - 22:00 | The Quarterhouse, CT20 1BN
Life is a stress: full of rushed breakfasts, angry people, internal conflict, and Jacob Rees-Mogg. But what happens when everything you thought was important – your problems, grievances against others, your very identity – simply disappears?
Multi-award-winning and trail-blazing comedian, Paul Foot, is back on tour with Dissolve, his most personal, surprising and ground-breaking show ever. In the year 2022 AD something momentous changed for Paul, and in this show he will reveal how he discovered the secret of life on the outskirts of Lancaster.*
Inevitably he does get distracted by King Tutankhamun, the House of Lords, Sir Cliff Richard, officious lollipop ladies and what Jesus might have achieved if he’d been a plumber. As seen on Would I Lie To You?, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
Age Restrictions
16 Years +
Tickets
£16 Standard
Book this event online or email the box office at boxoffice@creativefolkestone.org.uk

FOLKESTONE DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL
2023-10-19 10:00 - 2023-10-22 17:00 | Silver Screen Cinema, The Town Hall, Guildhall St, Folkestone, CT20 1DY
The 2023 Folkestone Documentary Festival features the best in new international documentaries. 11 feature-length films, 5 shorts, a VR exhibition, a group walk, a communal meal, drinks and parties, an industry afternoon, and the chance to hear from amazing filmmakers in post-film Q&As in a friendly and fun atmosphere. Taking place at The Silver Screen, Folkestone’s gem of an independent cinema, Creative Folkestone’s flagship Quarterhouse venue, The Green Room, Folkestone’s newest arts space, and The Brewery Tap, UCA’s exhibition space. 19-22 October screenings of the world’s most talked about fresh documentaries. Twelve films, masterclasses and opening night party.
Early bird festival pass £30/£15 concession

DEVOTED AND DISGRUNTLED (EAST KENT) - WHO NEEDS THEATRE?
2023-10-14 10:00 - 12:00 | The Quarterhouse, CT20 1BN
Invitation from Oliver Senton, Theatremaker living and working in Kent…
Your chance to meet theatremakers from all over East Kent, and air all the passions, irritations and grievances you might want to air.
East Kent is bursting with people who make and share live art of many different kinds: theatremakers, writers and actors; producers, educational groups and directors; lighting and sound designers, outreach charities, stage managers and more. But most of those talented and active artists don’t seem to know what most of the others are doing.
For years, theatre in East Kent has struggled in the shadow of London; making work for local audiences is sneered at in comparison to the metropolis, and Arts Council grants take precedence over regional collaboration, co-production and responsibility to our immediate communities. But there are more than enough venues, audiences and makers for this to change. There is no reason why, if connections and communication between us were good enough, there shouldn’t be loads of great theatre performed and toured within East Kent, and more local audiences watching locally-made work.
How do we build this new model? How can companies and venues from Dover to Deal, Folkestone to Margate, Ashford to Canterbury work together to build East Kent’s own ecology? Or do you want more localised models, theatre for small communities? Is theatre a luxury anyway, in difficult times when many are struggling to pay bills? And does our region deserve it as much as anyone else? One thing is certain – if we don’t do anything about it, resources elsewhere are going to get more scarce, and money even scarcer. We have to help each other to survive, and to thrive.
If you are able and would like to, you can create a ‘golden ticket’ for someone who may not otherwise be able to attend. For more information please contact dandd@woofbarkdonkey.com
Age Restrictions
No Age Restriction
Tickets
Pay what you decide
£0
£5
£10
£15
Book this event online or email the box office at boxoffice@creativefolkestone.org.uk

FLAMENCO EXPRESS
2023-10-13 19:30 - 21:30 | The Tower Theatre, North Road Shorncliffe, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3HL
Flamenco Express returns to Britain with a new cargo of raw, heart-wrenching flamenco – with ‘sizzling soloist’ La Joaquina, guitar virtuoso Chris Clavo, the massive vocal presence of Antonio El Pola, and award-winning choreographer and dancer Juan Carlos Avecillas from Cadiz.
Currently working with flamenco legend María Pagés, Juan already has a formidable record of prestigious Spanish awards and international productions.
In 2015 he created Melómano and debuted his own show “Tic Tac Toe” at the Institutos Cervantes in Chicago and New York. He presented his own work in Toulouse in 2019, and at the Festival de Jerez 2021 and Madrid en Danza 2022.
A fiercely confrontational but deeply contemplative artist whose ambition is to ‘find the self in which my truths converge’.
El Pola
Known for over twenty years as a formidably talented singer dedicated to the purest flamenco, Antonio El Pola has grown to fill the greatest stages, performing with many legends of the art, such as La Chana, Paco de Lucia, Juan El Camas, Concha Vargas, Antonio Moya and Juan Castor. A true custodian of the flamenco history.
A regular partner of Juan
TARANTO With Juan & El Pola.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdpzWIKxFUo
ALEGRÍAS with Juan and El Pola:
https://youtu.be/oz0NmeEyQlY
Standard £18 | Concessions £15 (over 65s & under 18s)
Doors open from 6.30pm
