If you’ve wondered about The Folkestone Triennial, or are enjoying the current buzz around town, but not sure what it’s all about, please have a look at this video…

Folkestone Triennial 2011

All set for four days of family fun

FOLKESTONE’S summer season of festivals starts next week (Thursday, June 9) when the all-singing, all-dancing, all-music, all-entertainment Multi-Cultural Festival hits town. With more events, more acts, more activities and more venues, it will be the biggest and best yet, says organiser Folkestone Town Centre Management.

Started four years ago as a celebration of the many different cultures, customs and cuisines which contribute to the life and times of Folkestone, Hythe and the Romney Marsh, the colourful four-day festival has become a much-loved feature of the entertainment scene, attracting thousands of visitors from across south east England and the London area as well as local residents.

This year’s programme features children’s activities, live entertainment by musicians, dancers and singers representing Spain, Mexico, China, Japan, Nepal, Kurdistan, Britain and Ireland, craft demonstrations and audience participation events, and performances by well-known local groups and solo artistes.

Venues will include the town centre Precinct, Guildhall Street, Rendezvous Street, University Centre Folkestone and the Creative Quarter. Stalls will serve a variety of food and refreshments; craft products and other items will be on sale.

Says FTCM’s events organiser: “What makes the Multi-Cultural Festival so popular is that it is lively, colourful, most events are free, all of them are themed on fun and there’s something to please all ages.

“As well as professional performers, there will be hundreds of really talented amateurs to give the festival an international flavour. They include local singers, choirs, belly dancers, baton twirlers and specialists in other skills. With events every day, Thursday to Sunday, it’ll be a great show. Many people have been involved in its organisation and presentation and have worked enormously hard to make it the best festival yet. We all want it to be hugely enjoyable – and, of course, we want the weather to be kind”.

For latest information about when and where to catch Multi-Cultural Festival events, log on to www.folkestonefestival.org

Souvenir programmes are available free from some town centre shops and also from public libraries, council offices, the Triennial information centre and Discover Folkestone, Hythe & Romney Marsh literature pick-up points.