music in may – folkestone’s music town

Folkestone was named the world’s first Music Town in September 2019.  The ethos behind the title is to incorporate music into our everyday lives.  It makes us happy, it makes us healthy and it’s a vital part of our economy.  Every month, musicians, music lovers, maitre de’s of music venues meet to discuss what’s going on in the town and plan ahead for festivals and events.  Music In May was first run in 2023, and aimed to have a musical event happening every day through that month.  Role on three years, and there are over 200 events happening in 2026, in venues across town.  The Folkestone Music Town Team work their toes off bringing this together. Folkelife spoke to some of the key organisers.

festival in may

Sophia Stutchbury: “Each year we have a blast with Music In May but it’s an exhausting marathon.  This year, we’ve built on the last few years and have 204 (and counting) events happening across May.  We’re starting in The Goods Yard at Folkestone Harbour Arm at 4pm on 1st May for our opening party.  Every act you will see is local, and are winners of our music video competition we ran with Screen South, Seaview Studio and Folkestone Music Town CIC.  Each artist fifteen minutes to perform as we celebrate live music and music videos, accessible to all.

“There are programmes available in lots of establishments over town, and you can also view this online.  The festival wouldn’t happen without the support of the town, and extra special thanks go to the Roger De Haan Charitable Trust (RDHCT) and Creative Folkestone (CF) Festivals Fund, Folkestone Town Council and Folkestone and Hythe District Council.  There are many sponsors listed on our brochure, so do read it just for that.  It gives you a gig guide, shows where the workshops are happening (book early!) and there’s a map for the venues and busking spots.”

Venues across town

Sophia: “What we’ve tried to build is a festival that can reach so many people.  So as well as the usual places you would find live music – The Bandstand, where our closing party will be, Harbour Arm, The Grand and venues known for music across town, there are other venues too.  Look out for events happening in Shorecliffe at The Tower Theatre and The Nailbox pub, as well as in the Dover Road Social Club, and St Paul’s Church.  There’s something for everyone, across our community.”

music of all genres

Rhian:“I run the Sacconi Festival of Chamber Music and we’ve been coming to Folkestone for 20 years now.  Since Music in May started, we have become part of a much larger music festival.   We’ll be continuing this year with a Bach-themed series of concerts.  We’re not just creating a destination for audiences wanting to hear all these different types of music, but also a destination point for musicians too.  We have world-class musicians coming to Folkestone to play with us, and for us.  It’s really exciting to be helping build this reputation.

“Not only do we have such illustrious guest artists coming, but we also are nurturing talent within the town.  Sounds Folkestone, run by Matt Shipton, Grenville Hancox, and myself as administrator, has started up a Youth Orchestra for all ages and abilities.  Floriane Peycelon runs this for us and they will be performing as part of the Sacconi Festival.” 

from string quartets to dj sets

Sophia: “This is where our strapline comes from, the collaboration across the month that we’re working with many different artists.  ‘From String Quartets to DJ Sets!’ that’s what we’re about.  You will find every type of music in the line up and we invite you all to join us and support Folkestone being a music town.”