This month, you are invited to explore Folkestone Creative Quarter’s hidden spaces and meet the people behind this unique and creative community. What’s more – this year, for the very first time, Open Quarter has been extended over ten days!

A celebration of the artists, makers, businesses, shops and eateries that make up the Creative Quarter, the event is a showcase of the talent that make this urban village such an exciting place to be. With lots of events, open studios and performances, Open Quarter is a perfect opportunity to visit Folkestone and explore your own creativity.

Open Quarter launches with Connecting Creatives on Friday 15th June at Folkestone Quarterhouse, where local business owners, artists and startups share knowledge and talk about future plans in a casual mini-conference, condensing big ideas into bite size portions.

The following nine days sees the Creative Quarter throw its doors open with studios, workshops, exhibitions, open houses and much more! No matter where you go, you will discover something new in the industrious hive that is home to jewellers, tailors, sculptors, painters, framers, web designers, performers and architects.

Begin your adventure on Tontine Street and pop in to Bounce Vintage, B&B Project Space, The Stables, performance space and HOP Projects for exhibitions, installations and performances. Keep an eye out for Soup Opera, a Secret Strangelove performance and a window gallery or two.

The Old High Street is more than just a great place to shop, eat and drink – it’s also bursting with creative talent. From exhibitions and performances to workshops and events for all the family, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and find inspiration lurking around every corner.

Don’t miss the fantastic events at Quarterhouse during Open Quarter. From the best in up-and-coming music, a vibrantly funny kids show – ANiMALCOLM,  and The Royal Ballet’s Swan Lake, to tech talks and film screenings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss this year’s Big Lunch in Payers Park on Sunday 17th June – bring your picnic blanket and some food to share, while you enjoy live music from Nat and the Noise Brigade.

Open Quarter is also the perfect excuse to shop in an array of independent shops. Drop in to Concept, Atelier Feralchild, Pearl and Hemingway or Suzie Abbott for fashion and jewellery. Visit Kitty McCall for stunning interior design and dig through Vintage & Vinyl’s records. Stop by Thalassa for beautiful gifts; Sentient for art and design; Folkestone Wholefoods for treats and skincare; and Rennies Seaside Modern for to celebrate all things Japanese.

Enjoy a coffee surrounded by vintage books in Steep Street; get a taste of Central American street food from Uno Mas; and discover why Beano’s is a local favourite! Kipp’s and Lime Bar are hotspots for live music and speciality beverages, while Big Boys, Blooms and El Cortador are the perfect venue for dinner out. Also, don’t miss the sensational Sister Seitan, who will pop up in The Clearing at Quarterhouse on Saturday 16th June.

For more information and to download this year’s full programme visit www.creativequarterfolkestone.org.uk/open-quarter.