Folkestone Voices

This joyful celebration of local creativity shines a spotlight on the writers of Folkestone and beyond. Fifteen writers. Three minutes each. One chance to share an unpublished poem, story, memoir, novel extract or work in progress with a live Festival audience.

Selected by ballot from an open call, participants will take to the stage to share original work, offering a vibrant snapshot of the stories emerging from our community.

If you’d like to join us in the audience, simply book a ticket in the usual way - click 'Book now' on this page.

This event lasts one hour.

Would you like to take part onstage? Folkestone Voices is open to everyone, whether you’re writing your very first poem, working on a memoir, polishing your fifth novel or simply curious to share your words with an audience. There are no age restrictions, no publication requirements and no expectation of previous performance experience, just a passion for storytelling.

To enter, complete the simple online form before 1 November: Click here to apply

If we receive more entries than places available, the 15 participants will be selected at random by ballot and notified on Monday 2 November.

Each writer will have three minutes to read or perform their work and may submit a PowerPoint presentation in advance to accompany their piece.

FIND OUT MORE

Folkestone Book Festival is our annual celebration of stories, ideas and conversation by the sea. Curated by novelist Sophie Haydock (The Flames, Madame Matisse), this year’s festival brings together more than 60 events across two weeks, welcoming world-class writers, thinkers and storytellers to Folkestone.

Discover another event, browse the bookshop, explore Folkestone’s vibrant arts scene, independent cafés, bars and galleries, and share the experience with a friend. The best festivals are as much about the conversations between events as those on stage.

The Festival is part of Folkestone is a Library, our ambitious town-wide celebration of reading, writing and storytelling, helping make Folkestone one of the UK’s most exciting literary destinations.

We believe great conversations should be for everyone, which is why every event includes a £5 Cost of Living Ticket, available with no questions asked.

Please help us spread the word. Together, we’re building a thriving community of readers, writers and curious minds.

Folkestone Book Festival is proudly supported by Eurotunnel, Canterbury Christ Church University, Holiday Extras and the Friends of Folkestone Book Festival. Creative Folkestone is supported by Arts Council England, Folkestone & Hythe District Council and Saga. Founding Funder: The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust.