Big World Festival – 1st to 4th October 2026

The Big World Festival is upon us in Folkestone this weekend and it showcases sounds from across the globe.  Organisers Alison Jones and Sarah Quist introduced many to the line up at the launch party in Kollectiv. Folkelife has a taster of what to expect.

Alison: “I’ve been running the performing arts charity Shapeshifters since 2007, and I met Sarah Quist last year.  We got talking and ideas were swirling around, and someone suggested we should run a World Music festival.  And the thing about Folkestone is there are so many connections here, that we could so something, if we got the funding.  Now, with my Shapeshifters’ hat on, we have a good reputation in getting funds for community music projects, from places such as Arts Council England, and the Roger De Haan Charitable Trust (RDHCT) and so on.  Sarah is a professional musician, amongst other wonderful talents, and we got together, and applied and waited to see what would happen.”

Sarah: “So we have received funds from the Arts Council, and the RDHCT, and also from Folkestone and Hythe District Council, and local councillors which all makes such a difference, so thank you all for funding our festival. This festival is all about bringing communities together through music.  Folkestone is a very diverse place, and we want to have this conversation that spans many different cultures we have in our town.  Not only are there going to be some fantastic concerts and workshops, but this is a festival where you can get involved, learn the languages and understand the music and instruments from so many places.”

community connections

Alison: “We’ve got African rapping, Celtic rhythms, Bulgarian open-throat harmonies and Argentine tangos which everyone can join in with.”

Sarah: “The festival spans four days, and is in five locations across town.  From St Mary and St Eanswythe’s,  Quarterhouse, The South Cliff Hotel and Sunflower House, to here in Kollectiv. There are talks as well as performances, and workshops too.  It’s for all the family, and we’re looking forward to seeing you all here and joining in.”

For tickets for the events see their website.