Folkestone Harbour celebrates 10 incredible years with a free and exciting programme of art, culture, food, and community events for everyone. Join in the celebration from May 23rd to June 1st, perfect timing for May Half Term.

Get ready for ten unforgettable days packed with live music, open-air film screenings, forest school crafting, dazzling dance, magical puppetry and something special for everyone to enjoy. The festivities will climax in a world-class firework spectacular on Sunday 1st June, choreographed by a team who have worked on internationally renowned displays.

Folkestone Harbour's 10 Year Anniversary Celebration Programme:

Friday 23rd May - Mamma Mia! on the Big Screen (7pm) 

- The Goods Yard
Grab your friends, a blanket and your best singing voice for an open-air screening of the feel-good ABBA musical under the stars. Consistently the most popular film every season, it had to come back for the 10 Year Special. 

Saturday 24th May-   Bloco Fogo Live Samba Performance (2pm–4pm)

-Across the site
This colourful community samba band brings the infectious beats of Brazil to the Harbour with high-energy drumming and dance. Expect a carnival atmosphere! 

Sunday 25th May - Drum Circle with Kevin Richards (12pm–2pm)

-The Harbour Arm
Join experienced Kent-based percussionist Kevin Richards for an inclusive drumming workshop using West African djembe drums. Open and free to all ages and abilities — come feel the rhythm!

Monday 26th May - Live Painting with Shane Record – From 12noon

-Under The Folkestone Sign on The Harbour Arm

Watch local artist Shane Record at work as he creates an impressive, 9' x 12' live painting inspired by the Harbour. Shane has had a gallery in Folkestone's Creative Quarter since 2005, and the finished artwork will be installed for all to enjoy afterwards. 

Tuesday 27th May - Fish Out of Water Dance Workshops by MCDC (12pm & 3pm)

-The Goods Yard
An uplifting dance session with international company MCDC. Led by choreographer Michaela Cisarikova, these workshops mix urban and contemporary styles in an engaging, collaborative way.

Wednesday 28th May - Forest School with Willowbank Education

-The Goods Yard

Join the team from Bee Free on the Farm to team to decorate your own Harbour Lighthouse to take home. Running from 12 noon until they're run out! All run by expert leaders from the 26-acre woodland school near Chislet.

Thursday 29th May - Buzz by Smoking Apples (12pm, 2pm & 4pm)

 -The Goods Yard

A Bee-rilliant Adventure! Buzz is a magical puppet-filled journey with Billy Bumble as he shrinks to bee-size, faces buzzing dangers, and inspires audiences to help bees by planting wildflower seeds.

Friday 30th May- A double event:

Talks and Tastings 

Throughout the day, some of the Harbour's favourite independent food and drink traders will demo their signature dishes live, sharing top tips and behind-the-scenes secrets.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (7pm)
 - The Goods Yard

Set sail for a swashbuckling evening with the film that launched a legendary franchise! Join us under the stars for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl — the rip-roaring adventure that introduced the world to Captain Jack Sparrow. Expect sword fights, cursed treasure, and a whole lot of rum. A blockbuster night out for all ages!

Saturday 31st May  - A double event:

Beach Clean & Adventure Golf with Hula Beach Shack

-Beachside
Get involved in a community beach clean. Collect a full bag and then enjoy a free round of adventure golf as a thank-you!

Temptation Harbour Screening (7pm)

- The Goods Yard
Watch this 1947 film noir, shot on location in Folkestone Harbour and featuring the original Doctor Who, William Hartnell. Screened in partnership with the BFI and introduced by actress Margaret Barton.

Sunday 1st June-  Fireworks Display (9:15pm)

End the celebrations with a bang! This promises to be the most spectacular display Folkestone Harbour has ever experienced on a scale that visitors will not have seen before. Not to be missed. 

Ends

For information, please contact Sam Beeny sam@sharprelations.com

Editors Notes:

Celebrating its 10 Year Anniversary in 2025, Folkestone Harbour is reinventing the English seaside experience with a beautiful, buzzing promenade, indoor and outdoor places to eat and drink, and a world class-view of the English Channel. The site boasts a rich heritage and distinctive charm and, thanks to regeneration and investment, is now home to a growing collection of independent businesses. It has become a destination for food, drink, and entertainment in Kent. Just under an hour from London by train 

Folkestone was voted Best Place to named 'The UK's Best Place to Visit in 2025' by Time Out Magazine and 'Best Place to Live in the Southeast 2024' by The Sunday Times 

In 2025, Folkestone Harbour will play host to the internationally acclaimed Folkestone Triennial, the largest exhibition of newly commissioned work presented in the UK.