Christmas is just around the corner and love it or loathe it, the festive season is well and truly upon us!
With twinkling lights, chocolate treats and Christmas sweaters aplenty, what better way to kick off the festive season “officially”, than with an evening of light, song, cheer and shopping! At 5.30pm on Friday 17 November, author of the Girl with a Pearl Earring, Tracy Chevalier, will be turning on the Christmas lights in Folkestone’s Creative Quarter; bathing The Old High Street in jubilant illuminations as carol singers and live music fill the air with sounds of joy and merriment as we build up to the big day!
Who says you can’t have two advent calendars? But, with much fewer calories and lots more fun, you are invited to wrap up warm and step outside to witness the hugely popular, action-packed Folkestone Living Advent Calendar from JimJam Arts. Hiding behind every new door is just a touch of Christmas magic, in the form of an exciting live performance, at 6pm, from Friday 1 to Sunday 24 December. Expect unique performances including music, drama, festive tales and some big surprises! To keep up to date follow the Folkestone Living Advent Calendar on Facebook or go to folkestonelivingadventcalendar.org.uk.
To make your experience just that little bit more festive, prepare to be wowed by the dazzling Christmas window displays in buildings along The Old High Street. With Tracy Chevalier judging this year’s most creative and striking festive spectacle on the night of the Christmas lights switch-on, owners of the little shops, galleries and studios nestled around the Creative Quarter, will be going all-out to wow passers-by.
On Saturday 16 December, drop-in to Block 67 for a free family Christmas workshop from 11am-3pm. Join animator Astrid Goldsmith for a special Christmas themed family workshop and make your very own jumping jack puppet to take home or give as a gift. You will create your own character from jointed card pieces and then pull the string to animate.
We are so excited to welcome in the festive season with our second Creative Quarter Carol Service on Wednesday 13 December at 7pm at St Mary and St Eanswythe’s Church. Everyone is invited to join in on a night of traditional and modern Christmas carols; readings by members of the community; and live musical performances! Let us welcome in the festive season together, over a mince pie (or two!) and a warming glass of mulled wine.
From Friday 17 - Sunday 26 November, the Creative Quarter will be hosting its second Secret Postcard Show at 3 – 7 Tontine Street. Inspired by the long-established RCA show, artists, designers and makers are invited to create new, thought-provoking work in the form of a postcard! Every postcard will be available to purchase for £30 each, with money raised being donated to Folkestone Rainbow Centre’s Winter Shelter, who not only provide shelter during the cold nights, but also work hard to find homes and opportunities to vulnerable people. All of the artworks are anonymous, so there’s always the chance one or two famous artists will sneak something in!
Private View: Thursday 16 November, 5pm – 7pm
Friday 17 November, 5pm – 7pm
Saturday 18 – Sunday 26 November, 12pm – 5pm
This year's Creative Quarter Market will be open every weekend until mid-December at the fabulously refurbished 3-7 Tontine Street. Fine food, artisan drink, affordable contemporary art and specialist craft made with love. Creative Quarter artists and makers will be joined by producers from Kent and Sussex, to bring you a delightful choice of gifts for all the family. Take a break from shopping at our pop up café, enjoy some mulled wine and mince pies and soak up the atmosphere. For all visitor and trade enquiries please contact sophiedocherty@creativefoundation.org.uk.
Friday 1 December: 4-7pm
Saturdays and Sundays, 2-17 December: 11am-4pm