In the spirit of Janus, the Roman God of endings and beginnings, we will say farewell to the Triennial and hello to a winter season of events and activities on Tuesday 2 November.
Hidden within the Triennial artwork Janus Fortress: Folkestone by Pilar Quinteros is a crowned skull. To mark the end of the Triennial, we will process the sculpture from the East Cliff through the Creative Quarter to its new home in Payers Park. The procession will be a riot of colour and sound, with drummers and school children acting as a guard of honour featuring Michaela Cisarikova Dance Company, Samba Pelo Mar and the Native Oysters Band.
When we arrive at the bottom of The Old High Street, the skull will be greeted by a brass band and the switching on of the Christmas lights.
We are inviting the people of Folkestone to join us for the procession. You can walk with us from the East Cliff, line the route or meet at the bottom of The Old High Street. More details will be shared soon. Follow our social media channels for the most up-to-date information.
Would you like to take part? Are you a drummer or part of a drumming band? We want you to take part in a spirited, outdoor drumming performance in Payers Park to mark the end of Creative Folkestone Triennial 2021? If you are interested, please contact Louella Ward louellaward@creativefolkestone.org.uk to register your interest as a drummer or ask any questions about taking part.
Pilar Quinteros's Janus Fortress: Folkestone is co-commissioned by Creative Folkestone Triennial and England’s Creative Coast, a landmark partnership project connecting the landscape and arts organisations across the South East coast.
The artwork forms part of England’s Creative Coast Waterfronts, May – November 2020, an exhibition of seven new artworks, and the world’s first Art GeoTour, connecting and celebrating the distinctive, creative coastline of Essex, Kent and East Sussex.
Delicious hot chocolate and churros will be available to buy from Minutas Al Paso pop-up stall in Payers Park.
FAQ's
What can I expect at this event?
On Tuesday 2 November, we will be moving an artwork from the East Cliff to Payers Park. Escorting the artwork will be a procession of drummers, dancers and school children.
The procession will set off at around 4pm and arrive at the bottom of the Old High Street at around 4.30pm.
When it arrives, a brass band will join the procession. We will pause to turn on the Creative Quarter Christmas lights before continuing up the Old High Street and into Payers Park.
Everyone is invited to celebrate the closing of the Triennial and welcome the start of the festive season. Join us for hot chocolate and churros in the park or enjoy the Creative Quarter.
What shall I wear?
As it is November in England, we cannot predict the weather. The current forecast is for light rain. Whatever the weather, we will be going ahead. We encourage everyone to wrap up warm and brave the elements with us!
As this is a celebration, please dress in brightly coloured clothes if you can. Anything neon is highly encouraged.
Where does the procession go?
We will depart from the western part of the East Cliff at around 4pm. We will make our way down the East Leas path behind St. Michaels School. We will travel across the old Drying Grounds and down the public footpath to North Street.
From here, a rolling road closure will be in force. We will join Tram Road before arriving at the bottom of The Old High Street. At this point, we will turn on the Christmas lights before heading up the Old High Street and into Payers Park.
If you plan to follow the procession, we have done our best to ensure a step-free route. However, there are a few inclines to consider. For the best experience of the event, we are advising that people gather at the bottom of the old High Street from 4.30pm
Can I take pictures?
Yes, of course! We would love you to take photos of the event and share your experiences on social media. We will also have our own camera persons and photographers capturing the event. If you have any concerns about filming or photography, please contact us in advance or talk to one of the stewards on the night.
What precautions are you taking in regards to Covid-19?
As this is an outdoor event and we are confident that we can make sure everyone is safe. However, we expect this to be a busy event and are actively encouraging the wearing of masks. IF you are able, please do a lateral flow test before attending and do not come if you show any symptoms. For the latest information regarding Covid-19 visit: gov.uk
