Charivari 2014: Up on the Downs

A balmy summer’s day with not a breath of wind provided the perfect backdrop for Folkestone’s most vibrant and lively carnival. Charivari Day 2014, titled "Up on the Downs," marked the 18th year of Strange Cargo’s spectacular and colorful parade. This year's celebration focused on East Kent’s stunning coastal landscape. Collaborating with Up on the Downs, a group dedicated to raising awareness and conserving the unique chalk downs, cliffs, and woodlands of Folkestone, Strange Cargo and their artists created a parade that honored this exceptional environment.

A huge thank you goes to our talented Charivari artist team: Hannah Rushforth, Greg Stobbs, Estelle Rosenfeld, Lisa Oulton, Emily Tull, Sam Giles, Jasmine Al Aidi, Bid Tophill, Lucy Condon, Sarah Roelich, Lorna Doyle, Fiona Woolhead, and Grace Zawislak.

The parade featured six themed sections brought to life by participants’ intricate costumes, including the rare Late Spider Orchid, the intriguing Folkestone Fossil Beds, and the historic Pillboxes from WWII scattered across the coast.

This event was made possible thanks to the generous support of our funders: Up on the Downs, Shepway District Council, Kent County Council, Folkestone Town Council, The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Rotary Club of Folkestone Channel, Shepway Schools, and Interreg.