Charivari Day is a big part of Folkestone’s celebrations each summer and this year we are asking you to make a small contribution to help us keep this event free for everyone to enjoy. There are rewards on offer to thank you for your donation. Lots of the young people who took part in the first parade are involved as parents, artists and teachers in 2016. As we start planning for this years event we thought it would be fun to take a look back at a few photographs of the scorching summer’s day in 1997 when Charivari Day burst onto the streets of Folkestone for the first time, taking everyone by storm.

It does everyone good to dance to the sound of drumming bands and dress up in outrageous, colourful costumes. That’s exactly what will be happening on 9th July in Folkestone when the Charivari Day carnival bring its streetbands and hundreds of brilliant carnival costumes, riding on a tide of good will, from the Harbour to The Leas.

Strange Cargo is extremely proud to have delivered this event since 1997 and we have worked with over 11,000 people in this time, creating costumes, making friends and bringing everyone out to celebrate as a community. This year the theme is Vintage Seaside and the costumes will all reflect this theme, with Mods and Rockers, End of the Pier, Seashore and Seaside People and so much more to look out for and enjoy. The parade leaves The Stade at 2pm and makes its way up through town to the Leas Bandstand, where an afternoon music programme will follow. Keep watching out website and social media for more info and opportunities to take part.