Charivari 2017
Huge thanks to Arts Council, Folkestone Town Council, Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, Eurotunnel,
Charivari Day came of age this year, as it was now in its 21 year. To celebrate we partnered with the 2017 Folkestone Triennial and all the costumes in the parade were inspired by the Triennial theme Double Edge and as the parade made its noisy way through Folkestone, it was possible to view the hundreds of colourful costumes and amidst the miles of floating ribbon and the sea of glitter, there were glimpses of what to look out for when the Triennial artworks were unveiled on 2nd September… there was an array of extraordinary hybrid carnival sculptures that have been inspired by the Double Edge idea of bringing two objects together, to make something new.
The whole Charivari process is energised by the incredible community and school groups who, along with our talented carnival artist team made the event such a huge success. More than 600 fabulously extravagant costumed reveller’s paraded through the streets. The compelling music and rhythms in the procession were provided by streetbands and musicians from across the UK.
The parade made its way up The Old High Street, through the Town Centre Precinct, along West Terrace and joined The Leas along West Terrace and makes its leisurely way to The Bandstand.
The carnival music programme followed, with a brilliant headliners Steve Boltz and Dead Man's Corner from 4.20-6pm.
Huge thanks goes to Lewis Biggs, the curator of the 2017 Folkestone Triennial and all the generous funders whose support enables Strange Cargo to continue to offer this event free of charge to the participants, including Arts Council England, Creative Foundation, 2017 Folkestone Triennial, Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, Shepway District Council Community Chest, Kent County Council, Folkestone Town Council, Rotary Club of Folkestone Channel, Folkestone Rotary Club, Cllrs. Rodica Wheeler, Carol Sacre and Mary Lawes.