Call To Join Workshops and Support Folkestone’s UK Town of Culture Bid

Bringing together the local community to help tell the rich and unique cultural story of Folkestone is the focus of open events next week.

The workshops on Tuesday afternoon (24 February) are the first stage in the development of a bid aimed at securing the first-ever UK Town of Culture accolade.

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport announced the competition aimed at “restoring pride in communities” in January. The winner will receive a £3m prize and will be expected to stage a programme of cultural celebrations during 2028.

Small and medium sized towns are encouraged to consider wide-ranging aspects of culture in their applications including food, music, nature, landscape, sport and leisure alongside arts, heritage, people and social culture.

Expressions of interest must be made by the end of March. Those shortlisted will receive a share of government funding to help them prepare a full bid.

To bring together initial ideas, Folkestone & Hythe District Council is inviting anyone (residents and organisations) interested in the Town of Culture campaign to join one of the workshops at the Leas Cliff Hall. 

The workshops are free to attend and sessions will begin at either 2pm, 4pm or 6pm with each lasting about 90 minutes. There is only a need to attend one of the three and booking is recommended via Eventbrite. 

Cllr Mike Blakemore, Cabinet Member for Community and Collaboration, said:

“We have such a broad, exciting range of culture in Folkestone and hardly a day goes by without word of a new venture bringing even more life into the town.

“I hope our residents feel we should support a bid and embrace this opportunity to join together to tell our unique story. I would love us to win this well-deserved accolade.”