Son et Lumière Remembrance Parade
Folkestone was a key port during WWI. From 1914, over 65,000 refugees headed to the town from Belgium and millions of men and women travelled between Folkestone and France from 1916 18. In 1940, Folkestone received an estimated 35,000 troops and 9,000 refugees from Dunkirk and the skies above the town were a hive of activity.
To remember those brave people, and mindful of wars across the globe today, the New Folkestone Society will be hosting a free Son et Lumière parade on Saturday 9 November.
Meeting on The Leas outside The Grand at 5.45pm, lanterns will be given to the first 150 participants, though the public may bring their own battery-powered lanterns.
The procession will depart at 6pm, walking along The Leas towards the Step Short Remembrance Arch accompanied by music, heading down the Old High Street to Folkestone Harbour Station for the finale, where the lanterns will be assembled to create a tribute.
Stops along the way will provide stories, poetry and wartime letter readings courtesy of Folkestone Music Town, FPAC and Write By The Sea. The music will gradually get quieter as a moving and poignant reminder of those we have lost on the battlefields.
Those less able to walk will be taken by minibus from the arch to the harbour.
