Since 2023, Folkestone has celebrated it’s status of becoming the world’s first Music Town with a month-long festival of all things music. Music In May features gigs, jams, workshops, busking, talks and networking meetings throughout the month, across more than 25 music venues across the town. The festival attracts musical tourism as well as providing opportunities for local artists and musicians to perform and for members of the public to attend free educational workshops.
Folkestone Music Town CIC supports the festival and local musicians and promoters by securing public funding and private sponsorship to pay for musical activities and industry professionals, inspiring new and exciting collaborative projects, both within music and across the arts.
Following the tremendous success of the past two years, we’re thrilled to announce another spectacular event to kick off the Music in May Festival 2025 at The Quarterhouse!
Main Show:
Prepare to be amazed as an 8 piece house band of highly skilled professional musicians takes the stage, accompanying 16 of Folkestone’s finest vocal talents. This showcase will highlight the impressive local talent that makes Folkestone proud to be The World’s First Music Town.
Showtime: Starts at 14:00
After Party:
From 16:00 to 18:00, join us upstairs at the Clearing Bar for an unforgettable after-party featuring local legend DJ Dolly Doowop, spinning popular tunes perfect for the whole family. Expect special guests and surprises to keep the energy high!
Back by popular demand, the Choir’oke event has been a standout hit at previous Music in May festivals — and we’re thrilled to bring it back for 2025!
This uplifting event features a vibrant lineup of local choirs, each performing a short set to showcase their unique repertoire and vocal talent. To make things even more fun, the final song of each choir’s set will be an audience sing-along — so feel free to join in and sing your heart out!
Singing has been scientifically proven to boost endorphins, reduce stress, and lift your mood — making Choir’oke the perfect way to sing yourself happy.
✨ This is a FREE event, but spaces are limited — so don’t miss out!
Every Saturday throughout the month of May, designated busking spots with mini PA/speaker/mics will be set up throughout Folkestone for buskers to showcase their musical talents.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to shine and leave a lasting impression on your listeners.
Participation is completely free, and all the donations you receive during your performance are entirely yours to keep.
We welcome all musicians and all styles so we can show the breadth of Folkestone’s scene and talent during Music in May.
To get involved in this exciting event, simply complete the registration form, and we will be in touch with you with further details.
Remember, everyone is welcome!
Click here for more information and to request a busking slot
Something a little different for 2025! This year, there are two exciting events taking place over the final weekend in May at The Leas Bandstand.
First up, on Saturday 31st May we have our Battle of The Bands event, in partnership with Blue Reef Festival. This will see 8 local bands compete for the opening spot at this year’s Blue Reef Festival, taking place in Maidstone on 25th and 6th July.
On Sunday 1st June, Source of Sounds present Breeze, a free day festival featuring local, national and international DJs and artists from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The event will include a marquee and food, in celebration of community, music, and summer vibes!
Learn new skills and meet new people with our popular range of workshops.
Thanks to generous funding from Arts Council England, we’re able to offer a range of inspiring, creative workshops for the community as part of this year’s festival. From music to movement and more — there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 
Places are limited, so don’t miss out!
Book your FREE spot now by emailing: freeworkshop@folkestonemusic.co.uk
All of our workshops are free to attend, however spaces are limited so require pre-booking.
Every year we produce a printed programme filled to the rafters with gigs, venues and the latest news from Folkestone Music Town!
Pick yours up from one of our participating venues, or click the button to view online!
Groups function coming soon.
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