Folk festival celebrates 60 years of success

Troupes like the Black Swan Border Morris dancers, pictured here in 2024, have been regular staples at the festival

Thousands of people have been flocking to Broadstairs this week as the town marked the 60th anniversary of its annual folk music celebrations.

Founded in 1965 by a local teacher called Jack Hamilton, Broadstairs Folk Week has since become an annual highlight, drawing crowds to the area from all over the country.

With 2025's outing having featured more than 400 events in over 20 venues, many of which were free, the bash is reported to bring in millions to the local economy.

Festival director and musician Kai Hoffman, who also performs there, described it as having "a really wonderful buzz and a lovely family atmosphere".

Taking place in Pierremont Park, as it has done since its inception, Friday's final day represents the culmination of months of hard work and planning for Ms Hoffman and her 250-strong team of volunteers.

But she said the stress was all worth it to see "all the smiling faces of people having great time".

"You've got the bandstand in full swing with Morris dancers, buskers everywhere all doing their thing and there's a family ceilidh going on at top of the hill - there's so many things to do.

"And we've been really lucky with the weather this time too."

Ms Hoffman estimated that the folk festival attracted up to 100,000 people annually.

"It brings a lot of money into the town, and a lot of local businesses say it helps them carry on throughout the rest of the year."

Folk Week's director and musician Kai Hoffman, who also performed at the festival

For regular attendee Ann Hilton, 74, it has been an annual staple since she was a young.

"I was 15 when I first came here with my family and I've been coming ever since," she said.

"Even when I got married I'd bring my husband - he had no choice in the matter."

She added that, while the event had since grown in size, its original plan to "bring traditional English customs to those who weren't aware of them" was still very important.

For others though, like one 92-year old woman who had arrived by coach, it was all about "the music, smiling and having a jig about."

"'Fun' is the one word to describe it, really," said another reveller.

"The people are fantastic and the vibe is great."