Let the good times roll in Folkestone town centre

Everyone is guaranteed a wheel-y good time at an exciting pilot event in Folkestone town centre next week.

Guildhall Street will play host to a festival of skating, cycling, games, music and more on Friday 6 September between 3pm and 7pm.

The town is acquiring a reputation for urban sports and active travel and it is hoped this event will encourage more locals and children to have a go at both skating and cycling.

Those taking part include:

• Scorcha Skate School is offering two free beginner-friendly sessions on a halfpipe for youngsters. Those joining in will learn about using a ramp, pumping, turning and dropping in. The sessions will run at 4pm and 5pm for 45 minutes and skateboards can be brought along or borrowed.
• Chaos Cards will be bringing outdoor and tabletop games to play including Connect 4, Le Passé and more for all ages. Also on the cards is a free Pokémon-themed workshop for 6-12 yr olds and Pikachu will be making a guest appearance.
• Cycling UK is running a ‘Dr Bike’ clinic offering free minor repairs, safety checks and maintenance advice. There will also be the chance to watch mini maintenance demonstrations in puncture repairs, brake and gear adjustments and fitting a cycle helmet. Local cyclists will be available to advise on route planning, club information and leisure cycling advice. Cycling UK staff will advise about funded community projects, membership and campaigns.
• Happy Skate is bringing Totes Amazeballs to the town. Those coming along to the event should bring a tote bag (some from surplus stock will be available) to screen print new designs.
• The Photocopy Club will be demonstrating its In Transit project using photography and self-publishing to teach people of all ages and backgrounds to get their photography off the phone and into print, making beautiful and creative work (zines) that everyone can share and celebrate.
• Teenage Market is a social space to hang out after school. Expect a safe and creative environment with pop-up workshops and stalls facilitated by local teenagers. There will also be live music and young DJs on the decks.

The event is part of the Folke About Town programme brining vibrancy to Sandgate Road and Guildhall Street, mirroring the physical regeneration planned for the wider area.

Folkestone & Hythe District Council Cabinet member for the District Economy, Cllr Rich Holgate, said:

“Folke About Town is all about seeing what type of events work to energise the heart of Folkestone.

“While I might not exactly be the target demographic, I absolutely know this is going to be a great event for younger people, so it’ll definitely be one to check out.”

This series of test events is being co-produced with businesses and individuals in the community with the aim that successful ones will be sustained into the future.

This comes after the success of the first Folke About Town event, Folkestone Food Festival, which saw local food vendors, musicians and food trucks come together to create an exciting social space.

For more information please visit folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/folke-about-town. Follow @fhextraordinary on Instagram for the latest updates.