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.
Kick off the festival in style with a fantastic selection of live music, giveaways, competitions, and exclusive screenings of previous music video competition winners. Enjoy Q&As, screenings, live performances, and much more.
Win prizes and discover all the wonderful events happening across Folkestone throughout the month!
FREE ENTRY // 4pm – 9pm
Announcing our headliner event for Music in May Festival 2026.
The incredible Newton Faulkner is coming to Folkestone and we cannnot wait!
This partnership between Blue Reef Festival and Folkestone Music Town enables us to bring household names to the World’s First Music Town!
With support from Blue Reef favourite Harry Pane and Folkestone rising stars Kieren Mensah and Orlagh Fitzgerald.
Grab your tickets QUICK!!
They came, they saw, they fell in love — and now they’re back!
Musical visitors from around the world reunite to play popular songs, share fun collaborations, and jam together in a one-of-a-kind live session.
Part of the Opening Weekend for Music in May Festival 2026.
2–5pm at Keppels Bar.
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.
Click here for more information and to request a busking slot
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: fr**********@****************co.uk
All of our workshops are free to attend, however spaces are limited so require pre-booking.
Join us at The Leas Bandstand for a free closing party to end a month of celebrations.
Live music, workshops, family fun, surprises and much more!
Sunday, 31st May, 2026
12pm – 6pm
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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