The Buildings that Shaped Folkestone with Dr Kathryn Ferry

Lidos. Lifts. Leaky landmarks. Let’s talk about the buildings that define the seaside – and divide opinion. Folkestone’s architecture is nothing if not unforgettable. From the grandeur of the Leas to the towering enigma of the Grand Burstin, our town is a patchwork of ambition, nostalgia, reinvention – and some very bold design decisions.

Join architectural historian and seaside heritage champion Dr Kathryn Ferry for a lively, image-rich tour through the 20th-century buildings that shaped Britain’s coastlines, with a spotlight on Folkestone’s own unique story – from her new book Twentieth-Century Seaside Architecture: Pools, Piers and Pleasure around Britain’s Coast.

Expect rare archive photos, design delights, and reflections on the buildings we walk past every day – whether we love them, hate them, or haven’t quite made up our minds.

This event will be chaired by Alastair Upton. Alastair is the Chief Executive of Creative Folkestone, the arts-led charitable organisation behind the Folkestone Book Festival, Triennial and Creative Quarter. Formerly CEO of Bluecoat in Liverpool, he has a long record of championing artists and cultural regeneration and believes in the power of creativity to transform communities.

Please note: this event lasts for one hour, followed by an opportunity to purchase the book upstairs in The Clearing and have it signed by the author

FIND OUT MORE

Folkestone Book Festival is our annual celebration of books, bold ideas and the power of storytelling – by the sea. Curated by award-winning author and journalist Sophie Haydock (The Flames, Madame Matisse), this year’s programme features more than 50 events over 11 days, bringing together world-class writers, radical thinkers and unforgettable conversations – all inspired by Folkestone’s spirit of enabling creativity and transformative change.

We want the festival to be for everyone. That’s why we’ve introduced a £5 ticket – a no-questions-asked option for anyone who might be struggling to afford events.

And if you’re planning to come to more than a handful of events, don’t miss our great-value Festival Pass, which gives you access to all events (excluding classes, which need to be booked separately) for just £140.

There’s so much to discover – from headline talks to intimate workshops, big ideas to local voices. Check out the full programme, including our much-loved Local Talent Showcase and a new series of Creative Writing Workshops designed to spark your imagination.

We delighted that our onsite bookseller this year is Waterstones Folkestone.

We thank our major sponsor Saga and supporting sponsors Eurotunnel, Holiday Extras and Friends of the Folkestone Book Festival along with our Education Partner, Canterbury Christ Church University for making this year's festival possible. Creative Folkestone is also supported by Arts Council England, Folkestone and Hythe District Council and The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust.