Prepare for an unforgettable music, dance, and song week - Broadstairs Folk Week is coming soon! Mark your calendars from August 11th to 18th, 2023. With concerts, dances, ceilidhs, workshops, and free family events, there's something for everyone at this fantastic festival by the sea. Plus, you can enjoy Morris dancing, pub gigs, parades, and a fabulous festival campsite too!
Over half a century ago, the English folk music and dance scene was experiencing a revitalization with festivals in the southwest and north of England. However, there were no such celebrations in the southeast - that is, until Jack Hamilton came along. Driven by his passion for creating something unique, he searched far and wide across the region to find the perfect spot – ultimately settling on Broadstairs due to its breathtaking coastal setting. And so it was here that Broadstairs Folk Week was born over sixty years ago!
By the early 70s, Folk Week had become renowned in traditional music circles and subsequently included workshops, dance events, and camping facilities at a local school into its repertoire. And since then, it has continued to grow by using every available venue Broadstairs has to offer - adapting according to financial means and practical matters.
As the years have gone by, what started as a localized gathering for English traditional folk music and dance enthusiasts has transformed into an event that captivates not only its original core of experts and enthusiasts but also encompasses the entire town. In 2012, Kent County Council thoroughly analyzed the Economic Benefits of Festivals in East Kent. Folk Week had an incredible economic impact on all these festivals, with £2.3 million injected into the local economy. People still participate due to their passion for Folk Week; they appreciate the festival for creating a social platform where people who share the same interest can establish a sense of belonging!
