Broadstairs Folk Week

Broadstairs Folk Week is an independently organized festival that takes over the town in the second week of August. It began in 1965, founded by Jack Hamilton and established primarily as a celebration of English folk dance. Over the years, concerts, workshops, parades, free family events were added to the programme, which at first only took place in the town’s park.

Now, there are over 400 events during the festival week, taking place in venues all over Broadstairs, including concerts featuring the best in folk, roots and acoustic music; ceilidhs and dances; a full programme of music workshops for all ages and abilities and many free family events and an exciting children's festival. 
https://broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk/shop/

Broadstairs Folk Week brings an enormous economic benefit to the town. It was estimated by an independent survey by Kent County Council that £2.3 million goes directly into the local economy of Thanet.  Thousands of visitors pour into Broadstairs, from Kent and far beyond. Some local businesses support the festival as they can see a genuine effect on their turnover.

Folk Week has its own campsite for festival goers, musicians, dancers and volunteers, but hotels, self-catering and B&Bs are booked years in advance throughout Broadstairs.

https://broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk/camping/

Folk Week is a registered charity, and all fund-raising is ploughed back into the festival. It has been enriching the local community for so many years that it is in danger of being taken for granted. Folk Week is always seeking support to help ensure the future of the festival. The festival is supported by Broadstairs & St. Peter’s Town Council and other major sponsors such as Shepherd Neame brewery and Vattenfall Wind farm.

Folk  Week simply would not happen without its volunteer workforce, around 250 help run the event - applications to join the workforce are downloadable from the Folk Week website. 
https://broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-workforce/

Every year, the fund-raising begins from scratch and volunteers sell lottery tickets, merchandise and tickets or persuade their friends to become Friends of Folk Week.

Folk Week only happens through the combined efforts of many, many people who love it as an event and its unique atmosphere - unequalled by any event in Kent.

www.broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk

@broadstairsfolkweek