The Fortunettes entertain in the foyer of F51 skate park Photo: Ray Duff…
Words and Pictures by Ray Duff… Hundreds of people gathered at the launch of two of Folkestone’s famous ‘advent calendar’ events, which have returned in full after three years.
The Bayle
On The Bayle, the residents association has again launched its series of lit ‘Winter Windows’ and events for the festive season, starting with mince pies and hot drinks at one of the residents homes.
This will be followed by further such events around The Bayle, usually at 5.00pm, but one will be at 10.30am.
There is also a ‘Neighbourhood Christmas Trail’ for people to view and a ‘Bayle Christmas Tales’ creative competition, entries for which need to be received by 16 December.
Folkestone Living Advent Calendar
After the Bayle events opened, the next calendar was launched, this being the annual JimJam Arts ‘Folkestone Living Advent Calendar’ featuring a series of pop-up live entertainment events at various locations around Folkestone and Cheriton all starting at 6pm
Hundreds gathered at the first such, being at the new F51 Skate Park in Tontine Street, before being welcomed to the first one. It was also announced that the group had just received funding confirmation for the next three years of advent calendar events!
Prior to entry people will also be urged to donate to a local charity, the first being the Rainbow Centre’s ‘Winter Shelter’ for the homeless, which has also just re-opened, running until next February.
Those attending then proceeded into the skatepark, to first listen to performances by ‘The Fortunettes’ brass ensemble, before going to to the first floor where ‘elves’ were giving skate displays whilst a youth band played and ‘Santa’ entertained.
Both events run every day from 1 to 24 December
Useful links
The Bayle Residents- Annual’ Winter Windows 2022 www.thebayle.org
The Folkestone Living Advent Calendar 2022 www.FLAC.oeg.uk