News

There'll be a feast of family fun in Folkestone on Saturday, November 28, when both Town Centre Management (FTCM) and the Creative Quarter signal the start of pre-Christmas festivities.
 

During the day, traders and entertainers from Boulogne-sur-Mer will add special sparkle to events in the town's main shopping area.

As well as presenting a lively entertainment programme, FTCM will be putting up new lights and a forest of Christmas trees in the Precinct and also providing decorations in Sandgate Road, the harbour area, Cheriton and on the East Cliff.

Said town centre manager John Barber: "A welcome grant from Folkestone Town Council and generous support from stores and other businesses has enabled us to make our traditional send-off to the Christmas season even better and brighter. This will be followed by events organised by the Creative Quarter a few streets away."

Folkestone's Fun Day will start on the Leas at 10.30am when pantomime characters, bands and entertainers head a colourful procession along the Sandgate Road to the Precinct, where events continue until the ceremonial lights switch-on at 5.30pm.

Celebrations will then move from the town centre to the Creative Quarter. Santa Claus will be an important visitor at events in both venues.

Mr Barber said that shops and traders, determined to defy the recession, had planned a great show, and welcomed same-day different-times celebrations in adjoining neighbourhoods of Folkestone on November 28 as a "splendid move".

"The arrangement will enable residents and visitors to enjoy an almost non-stop programme of entertainment from morning into the evening. There'll be plenty for all ages to watch and do, and children will be especially delighted that there will be opportunities to meet Santa in both the town centre and the Old High Street. In fact, this friendly character will be seen frequently in Folkestone because hundreds of competitors in the town's annual charity fun run - this year, on Sunday, December 6 - will be adorned with white beards and wear red suits.

"Judging by the number and variety of celebrations organised by traders and neighbourhood organisations in towns and villages right across Shepway, there'll be no lack of places to go and things to do this month, through December and into the New Year".

Dates and details of scores of festive season events at attractions, hotels, restaurants, theatres and other entertainment venues, village halls, farmshops and farmers' markets, are posted on www.discoverfolkestone.co.uk ; click Events and Search.