A Personal Perspective on Broadstairs

Folk Week

Folk Week started in 1965 and has expanded over the years it is impossible to tell you about everything there is to see and do. If you have never visited Broadstairs during Folk Week then please try to find the time to come along and soak up the atmosphere. If you only come for a day then try and come on the first weekend when many of the dance groups perform for free on the Seafront and at the Bandstand. There really is something for everyone's taste.

This years opening concert on Friday the 8th headlines Eliza Carthy, this concert is not to be missed. Eliza was brought up immersed in the world of folk music being the daughter of legendary parents Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson. She has performed with a diverse array of musicians from Paul Weller to The Wainwrights, Nick Cave to Joan Baez, Jools Holland to Rufus Wainright.

Every morning from Saturday to Friday there is the Hobby Horse Club at the Bandstand which is great entertainment for children. As always you can expect to see the Hobby Horses and Clarence the Dragon at each and every show.

There is already a full listing on their website of the main concerts taking place this year at the Concert Marquee (in Pierremont Gardens) and The Pavillion (in Harbour Street). There is also a full list of artists attending the 2008 festival. Click on their Hobby Horse logo below to visit their website.

Dont forget to visit the Craft & Music Fair at the Victoria Gardens on the Seafront. There are all sorts of stalls selling everything from handmade greetings cards to jewellery, musical instruments to leather belts and from fudge to clogs - its just not to be missed.

There is so much going on during the week long festival that I will leave the full details to their own website. However it must be said that there is much to see simply by walking around the town, many of the festival participants perform in the local pubs, along the seafront, at the bandstand and on the jetty.

Please remember that Folk week relies on the public's generosity to continue to entertain us during August, so please give generously to the collectors at free concerts and performances.

Please take a look at the photos of the 2007 festival here.