THE WORLD’S FIRST MUSIC TOWN!
Did you know that Folkestone is officially the world’s first music town? The accolade came about in 2019 after Folkestone was presented as a case study at the United Nations Habitat World Urban Forum in 2018 after many community meetings and events with people coming together from music venues, bands, musicians and industry leaders.
WHAT IS A MUSIC TOWN?
It’s a town that has formally recognised music as a valuable asset, capable of boosting health and wellbeing as well as economic growth and tourism. The team in Folkestone worked with music cities around the world to put a blueprint in place and soon realised the strength and depth of Folkestone’s musical heritage.
FROM THE CRADLE TO THE GRAVE
Folkestone rocks, from the cradle to the grave. Local schools, health centres and care homes all put music at the heart of life, knowing that music helps us all be happier and healthier.
Gigs, concerts, choral performances and every genre are all on the Music Town menu, along with great nightlife and a vast choice of places to eat, drink and dance the night away.
Music has been at the heart of this community for centuries. The Victorians built fabulous venues to indulge in it, King Edward VII built Europe’s first sprung floor to dance to it (in The Grand hotel), soldiers sailing to war enjoyed a last cup of tea and cake with it, local talent composed and performed it.
The Victorian Bandstand up on The Leas promenade also hosts brass bands on Sundays during the summer, with spectacular views across the English Channel to France. John Barber from Folkestone Festivals runs the programme, and Folkestone Music Town will run the bandstand on May 31 and June 1 for the festival’s grand closing party.
TOP TALENT
It’s no secret that one of Folkestone’s local musicians is in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Noel Redding left home and joined Jimi Hendrix and Mitch Mitchell in 1966 to create (still) one of the most iconic and influential acts in modern music history – the legendary Jimi Hendrix Experience. Yehudi Menuhin and Fleetwood Mac have performed here.
Five decades later Folkestone is still rammed full of music talent of all ages. We’ve got hip hop, ska, classical, jazz, blues, northern soul, EDM, brass bands, reggae, choral, motown, rock, americana, bluegrass, folk and metal. Whatever floats your boat, you’ll find it here.
WHAT’S ON TONIGHT?
If we’ve whetted your appetite for a musical night out, check out our gig guide at www.folkestonemusic.co.uk/gig-guide