Good evening, and welcome to this week’s On The Town. Now, by and large, you can expect this Monday email to focus on what’s on in Folkestone, especially since there always seems to be so much happening in town. But occasionally we will throw the spotlight on events happening elsewhere in our corner of Kent, and that’s the case this week. Although those of us with long-standing ties to the area will know all about it, those who may be more recent transplants may not have heard about the Venetian Fete, which takes place in Hythe this week. And that would be a shame, because it has to be one of the most unique events of the summer. Let’s get straight to it…
What would it look like if you took a traditional carnival procession, replete with creatively-decorated floats, and sent the whole thing parading along on the water? Well, something very much like the Hythe Venetian Fete, which will take to the waters of our neighbouring town’s Royal Military Canal this week.
Established in 1890, the illuminated parade now takes place every second year on the third Wednesday in August, and sees local community groups and businesses create imaginatively-themed displays for the enjoyment of thousands of spectators who line the banks of the canal. Prizes are then awarded for the best efforts in a number of categories.
This year’s festivities will kick off at 4.30pm on Wednesday with music from the Hythe Town Concert Band, before The Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and other civic dignitaries arrive by float and take their places. There will then be a daylight parade shortly after 7pm, followed by an illuminated parade at around 9pm.
Unfortunately, due to the long spell of warm, dry weather and the consequent risk of wildfires, it has been announced that this year there will be no firework display. Event organisers say they are looking into the possibility of staging a display later in the year.
BOOK NOW: The Venetian Fete takes place on Wednesday, August 19, and gates open at 4pm. You can find out more about the event here. Tickets and car parking can be purchased online here.
Do you have an event in Folkestone you would like to promote in a forthcoming edition of the On The Town? Send details to us and we’ll help spread the word!
🎸 There is live music at The Music Workshop on Saturday, August 22, with headliners Hands Up supported by Ivy Lane and ATHEeNA. It all starts at 7pm and entry is free.
🎞️ Films showing at Silver Screen Cinema this week include The End of Oak Street, Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Full details of all this week’s screenings can be found here.
✂️ Collage Club returns to the Beer Shop on Wednesday evening, August 19. Each month there is a new theme and materials are provided for folks to come and hang out, chat and collage together. Tickets for the event, which starts at 7pm, are £5 and can be bought here.
🔊 Oscillate will be bringing their ‘heavy sound’ to Docker Brewery on Saturday evening, August 22, spinning dub, house and UK garage all night. It all kicks off at 7pm and entry is free.
🎵 The Folkestone Festivals summer season of free live music on The Leas continues at the Bandstand this weekend. On Saturday there will be a Michael Bublé tribute act playing at 2.30pm, and at the same time on Sunday the Railway Swing Band will be performing.
🎞️ Adventure movie Pirates of the Caribbean will be showing at the Harbour Arm on Friday, August 21, as part of this year’s free cinema programme. The 7pm screening is completely free to attend, you don’t need a ticket, and spaces are available on a first come, first served basis. You can find out more about this and other upcoming events at the Harbour Arm here.
If you want us to tell the people of Folkestone about your forthcoming event, please drop an email with all the details to rhys@folkestonedispatch.com. Your regular weekly Dispatch will be with you on Wednesday morning.
What's On
🍻 Tap Takeover returns for huge celebration of craft beer
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Aug 10
Good evening, and welcome to this week’s edition of On The Town. Before we get on with the business of what’s on in Folkestone this week and beyond, we just want to let you know about an offer we have running until the end of the month. Sign up for an annual subscription to the
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