Everyone who is a resident, or just loves Thanet has definitely heard of Broadstairs Folk Week. So whether you’re local or just visiting, there’s always something new and exciting to discover at one of Thanet’s most popular events of the year.
From the 9th to the 15th of August, Broadstairs will be filled with music, crafts, fairs and all kinds of dancing. With live performances around Broadstairs seafront and beyond (there are around 70 events per day!), there’s never been a better excuse to grab an ice-cream, relax and enjoy the seaside life.
‘Our festival-goers love discovering new bands, seeing old favourites and chancing upon things you would never expect to see at a folk festival!’
The Festival
Here’s what the organisers say about the incredible Folk Week:
‘There’s hardly a venue that isn’t bursting with song, music and dance. There is a mix of ticketed and free events – and you can come for one ticketed event in one venue – or buy a whole week’s all-in ticket that gets you into all the venues.
You can find Folk Week by the beach in the Pavilion on the Sands or the Sailing Club; in the town’s historic Crampton Tower and the modern Baptist Centre –as well as in loads of pubs and cafes – and of course – along the promenade at the Bandstand, overlooking beautiful Viking Bay. It’s a great way of getting to know Broadstairs!
Overlooking the beach on the clifftop Victoria Gardens, there’s a special Craft & Music Fair with a huge variety of ceramics, clothing, musical instruments, paintings, jewellery and gifts with free entry. In 2019, this will be where the Festival bar the Jack Hamilton is located, sponsored by Shepherd Neame and a great place to catch up with festival friends.
And next door is the bandstand, a totally free venue which hosts the ever-popular Hobby Horse Club with the madcap Hooden Horses and Clarence the Dragon.
And last but not least, Folk Week wouldn’t be the same without the hard-working morris dancers who bring colour and eccentricity to the streets and shows around the town.’
Camping
For those hardcore festival-goers, there is also the opportunity for you to camp nearby for the Folk Week festival.
‘The Festival Campsite is located at a local school – and one of the benefits of coming to this chalky corner of East Kent is that the fields are free-draining – so no Glastonbury style mud in Broadstairs!’
For more information about all of the events on throughout Folk Week, you can visit the Folk Week website here!