Celebrate love at Folkestone Pride

Every summer, Folkestone Pride brings one of the region’s most colourful and inclusive celebrations to the seaside town. On Saturday 25 July 2026, The Leas Bandstand and surrounding areas will be filled with joy, music and community spirit as locals and visitors alike take part in a vibrant Pride festival.

Expect a lively parade celebrating LGBTQ+ pride, performances on the bandstand, artisan stalls, food & drink vendors, and plenty of entertainment for all ages.

The event is free to attend and welcomes people from all walks of life to join in the festivities and show support for equality and diversity. It’s a brilliant way to experience Folkestone’s warm, welcoming atmosphere and connect with local culture in a meaningful, upbeat setting.

Community meets storytelling at the Folkestone world record book swap!

On 28 March 2026, Folkestone’s Sunny Sands will host a playful attempt at the largest ever community book exchange. As part of the creative project Folkestone is a Library, hundreds of readers will gather with a book to swap, share stories, and celebrate the town’s love of reading!

But this is far more than simply trading paperbacks. It’s about sharing ideas, discovering new authors, meeting fellow book lovers and becoming part of something record-breaking. Throughout the day, expect live entertainment, pop-up performances and plenty of seaside atmosphere. Whether you’re a lifelong reader, a casual holiday paperback fan, or simply curious to witness a world-record attempt in action, this unique event promises a heart-warming showcase of Folkestone’s community spirit – and a truly memorable way to experience the town in 2026!

A fabulous, floating celebration

Every two years in August, the Royal Military Canal in Hythe transforms into a spectacular open-air theatre of colour and creativity. The Hythe Venetian Fete on 19 August 2026 features a dazzling Grand Parade of themed barges, live music, quirky floats and water-borne fun. It’s a uniquely British festival with canal pageantry and family friendly vibes.

A real celebration of creativity, teamwork and community, it’s an event that continues to be super popular with the locals and visitors alike. Bring a picnic and blanket, or sample some tasty dishes from the street food vendors that line the banks as you soak up the carnival atmosphere.

Make sure you stick around for illuminated parade after dark for a real spectacle!

Folkestone’s soundtrack to Spring

Folkestone is proudly celebrating its status as the world’s first official Music Town with a vibrant, month-long festival dedicated to the power of sound. Music in May transforms the town into a living, breathing soundtrack, with gigs, jam sessions, workshops, busking, talks and networking events taking place throughout the month.

With events hosted across more than 25 venues, from intimate bars and creative spaces to outdoor stages, there’s music around every corner. It’s not just about watching though – members of the public can get involved too, thanks to free educational workshops and community sessions designed to inspire the next generation of budding musicians.

Whether you’re discovering new artists, reconnecting with live music, or soaking up the atmosphere, Music in May is the perfect reason to plan a springtime escape to Folkestone in 2026.

Folkestone Book Festival – Ideas and imagination in autumn

Returning from 12–22 November 2026, the Folkestone Book Festival brings authors, thinkers and book lovers together for discussions, readings and discovery.

One of the UK’s longest-running literary festivals, it fills Folkestone with thought-provoking conversation and storytelling magic. Expect a festival that lives beyond the stage, in foyers, queues and those unexpected conversations that stay with you long after an event ends.

Whether you are there for world-class headliners, the electric Local Authors Showcase, or the inspiring Primary School Series, there is something for everyone!

Marshland Merriment

Celebrate summer on the Marsh at the annual New Romney Country Fayre on Saturday 25 July. Known as Romney Marsh’s biggest free community day out, the fayre features arena entertainment, parades, local produce stalls and family fun – just perfect for all ages.

This year’s parade theme is musicals – from Oliver to Paddington, Matilda to Le Mis, The Lion King to Mary Poppins, Phantom of the Opera to Six and everything in between!

Summertime community fun at its best!

A Taste of Community & Celebration at Hythe Food Festival

Every August Bank Holiday weekend, Hythe comes alive with the We Love Hythe Life Food Festival, a beloved three-day celebration of food, drink and local community spirit on Hythe Green. This free-entry event brings together 70+ stalls offering everything from gourmet street food and artisanal treats to globally inspired dishes and locally sourced produce.

Whether you’re craving sizzling tacos, sweet treats, international flavours or classic British fare, there’s something delicious for every palate – including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. The atmosphere is relaxed and festive, with live music setting a vibrant soundtrack as friends and families explore the food stalls, sip on local craft ales and cocktails, and enjoy the summer sunshine.

Come hungry, leave happy, and discover why the Hythe Food Festival is one of the highlights of the summer calendar in 2026!

Seaside Flavours & Fun at the Sandgate Sea & Food Festival

On Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August 2026, the coastal village of Sandgate comes alive with the Sea & Food Festival along Granville Parade and around Sandgate Castle. Enjoy fresh seafood, artisan stalls, live music, and family entertainment, all set against the stunning seaside backdrop.

The weekend kicks off with Saturday evening music and a free fireworks display, followed by a full day on Sunday of food, music, crafts, and community fun. Local cafés and restaurants join in, offering tasty menus and festive vibes.

Whether you’re after delicious bites, live tunes, or a classic British seaside atmosphere, the Sandgate Sea & Food Festival is a must-see highlight of the summer.