Junior Toots & The Fyah Squad Band give the scooter ride-out a rousing send off Photo: Ray Duff
By Ray Duff – Folkestone was stomping to the beat as hundreds descended on the town for the 15th annual Skabour Festival. From the Burstin Hotel to The Ship on The Stade, the sound of ska and reggae filled the air, proving that two-tone isn’t just a style—it’s a way of life. This year’s festival was a poignant tribute to Kit Keen of the band ‘Hey Rudi,’ whose music has long been a part of the vibrant scene.
The lively Rookie Numbers perform their atmospheric set Photo: Ray Duff
The four-day extravaganza kicked off with a Northern Soul prequel on Thursday, setting the stage for the main event on Friday afternoon. Brad Pittance and the Pirates got the party started, leading a lineup of DJs and bands that kept the Burstin’s Ballroom buzzing into the early hours. London’s The Estimators closed out Friday with their traditional Jamaican ska, leaving everyone wanting more.
Viewers and dancers in The Ballroom at The Grand as a band plays Photo: Ray Duff
Saturday brought a unique first for Folkestone: the Marley Dub Extravaganza. This was followed by The Kix and headliners Junior Toots and The Fyah Squad Band, who came all the way from the USA. Junior, the son of the legendary Frederick ‘Toots’ Hibbert of Toots & The Maytals, brought a touch of royalty to the stage.
Sunday morning started with a bang—or rather, a skank! Local piper Chris Bone led the annual Skabour Scooter Ride-Out, which was officially sent on its way by Junior Toots himself. Scooters roared from Folkestone to Dymchurch and back, proving that the mod spirit is alive and well. The music picked back up with newcomers Ska-Per, a charity raffle, and the highly energetic Rookie Numbers from Yorkshire, who brought their “Ska Rave” sound to the party. The festival wrapped up with local band The Localmotives, a group of seasoned musicians who had been honing their sound right in Folkestone.
Kevan play their eclectic set Photo: Ray Duff
Between the high-energy performances, attendees could browse merchandise stalls packed with hats, records, and clothing. Everyone left with a smile, a new record, or both. And if you missed the fun, don’t worry—Skabour 2026 is already in the works, with early bird tickets on sale now!