News

A spectacular fireworks display on Friday will launch the opening of 2011 Folkestone Triennial which begins on Saturday (25 June)

The weekend starts with fireworks at 10.30pm on Friday evening which will be best viewed from The Stade, The Leas or the East Cliff areas.

On Saturday 25 June a busy programme of events that will take place in and around Folkestone Harbour.

At 11am the exhibition will be declared open by former Director of the Henry Moore Foundation and Creative Foundation Trustee Tim Llewellyn and the new water feature at Folkestone Harbour will be turned on for the first time.

Live music, street theatre, including an appearance by a giant whale, and family activities continue until 4 pm.

The much-anticipated 2011 exhibition - A Million Miles from Home - includes brand new artworks by 19 international artists, displayed around Folkestone’s streets, squares, beaches and historic buildings.

The art works are all free to visit, although visitors wishing to experience Martin Creed’s commission “Work No. 1196” will need to pay the £1 fare to travel in the Leas Lift, where it is installed.

And there are over 80 complimentary fringe events and exhibitions are being staged in addition by local and visiting artists and creative groups.

The Folkestone Triennial is said to be one of the most ambitious public art projects ever to be presented in the UK.

The new artworks that have been commissioned include the “Folkestone Mermaid” by Cornelia Parker, sited on the edge of Sunny Sands Beach, “For Those in Peril on the Sea”, by Hew Locke, a large scale installation of nearly 100 boats hanging in the nave of the Parish Church of St Mary and St Eanswythe, and “The Sea Monster” by Charles Avery, a 20 foot long four-limbed, long-tailed sea monster.

“The-Sea-Monster” by Charles Avery   Photograph: Thierry Bal

All the art works will be available to view every day from 25 June until 25 September from 10.30am until 5 pm each day.

The Triennial visitor centre will be open at 3-7 Tontine Street offering free maps, audio guides and young people’s guides to help people find and enjoy the artworks.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©