News

Story and photos by Karol Steele
Ska and Reggae fans from as far away as Japan converged on Folkestone over the weekend for the first ever Skabour Festival.

The three-day festival is the brainchild of Hawkinge graphic designer John Sims (aka Teflon) who designed the iconic black-and-white Two Tone logo.

Friday kicked off with autograph sessions by Ska legends Arthur Kay, Rankin' Roger and Rhoda Dakar followed by a sellout concert in the Quarterhouse headlined by one of the original Dance Craze bands, The Beat.

A Scooter ride out from The Stade followed by a parade through the town on Saturday morning set the mood, and throughout the day, Folkestone Harbour was alive with people skankin' to top rankin' music from local band Hey Rudi, The Meow Meows from Brighton, Coventry band Special Brew, The Skatonics, and King Hammond.

 
King Hammond

Between sets visitors could browse the Ska flea market set up along the Stade or listen to DJ's outside the Ship Inn.

Saturday evening's gig at the Quarterhouse was headlined by former Bodysnatcher Rhoda Dakar and the godfathers of Ska music, Arthur Kay and The Originals.

Sunday saw the weekend's biggest crowds packed into the harbour area, with many hundreds of cheering and dancing fans lapping up the sounds of Kent bands Skatacus and Toot ''n' Skamen.

Throughout the festival Googies Cafe in Rendezvous Street, The Chambers in Sandgate Road and The Chimaera Gallery held a This ART 2 Tone exhibition featuring John's band posters and logo art work from the Dance Craze era of Ska music.

The Meow Meows

John is hoping, along with his fellow organisers Andy Shorten, Andi Elliot and Trevor Moss, that the Skabour festival will become an annual event in the town.

 
Band Hey Rudi