Join in with Folkestone’s unique real-life advent calendar experience by tuning in to The Folkestone Living Advent Calendar podcast!
From the laughter and friendship behind each door, to the stories of the people and places that are truly Folkestone - this podcast is your personal invitation to experience the magic of the season.
Every day throughout December a door will be opened in the Kent seaside town revealing a Christmas surprise! Folkestone resident Clare Reeves is our host. She’ll be speaking with the creators and organisers, discovering more about the cherished venues that bring the advent calendar to life and the charities that benefit.
The Folkestone Living Advent Calendar (https://flac.org.uk/) podcast is a celebration of community spirit and festive goodwill. In each episode, we'll reveal the upcoming week's door locations, hear interviews with those who make the event possible and highlights from the week’s advent adventures.
Whether you're a Folkestone local or a lover of Christmas cheer from afar, tune in to experience the magic.
This weekly podcast will be released each Friday from November 17 until December 22, 2023. Subscribe now and become a part of our living advent calendar — where every door opens to a story, and every story opens the heart.
This podcast has been made possible thanks to funding from Big Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, Arts Council England, Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, Creative Folkestone and some kind and supportive Folkestone & Hythe District Councillors.
Bumper Christmas Edition: A festive finale as the final doors open
It's the final episode of the season and this week host Clare Reeves is celebrating the culmination of Folkestone's Living Advent Calendar, spotlighting musical acts, charity initiatives, and the vibrant community spirit.
We hear from members of Touchbase Care as they prepare for their door opening, as well as performances from Shoo Shoo Baby, and Half A String.
There's community spirit as Randolph Matthews collaborates with migrant help to perform behind the first out-of-town door, and St Mary's and St Eanswyth's Church prepare to host the Christmas Eve door.
Emotions run high as we come towards the end of the event and Clare catches up with Sadie, Sue and Marin from Jim Jam Arts and Lady Christmas as they enter the finla days of this year's event.
In this finale, we honor the creativity, charity, and spirit of the Folkestone community that's been so vividly displayed throughout the Living Advent Calendar.
Subscribe now wherever you are listening.
1:20 – Comedy musical duo Shoo Shoo Baby perform at door 14 hosted by Eleto Chocolate Cafe.
5:28 –Jim Lockey from Touchbase Care speaks about the power of creative projects to uplift and empower adults with disabilities.
9:58 – Hear the immersive enchanted wood experience behind door 15 at Touchbase Care.
16:15 – Hear how the Living Advent Calendar supports South Kent Mind and other charities.
18:40 – A stranger's generous donation to Living Words exemplifies the community's heartfelt support.
22:00 –Hear the community performance led by Randolph Matthews behind door 19 at the calendar's first out of town door at Chichester Hall in Sandgate.
24:40 – Marin from Jim Jam Arts and Lady Christmas discuss how quickly December has flown by.
26:35 – Listen to the street theatre performed by Half A String behind door 20 at Objectables.
28:50 – Sadie from Jim Jam Arts speaks to Clare as the snow falls in the Old High Street.
31:20 – Find out where the final three doors will be!
32:19 – Authorised Lay-minister Vicky Friedrich talks about the Living Advent Calendar's traditional Christmas Eve event at St Mary and St Eanswyth's Church.
36:13 – Mixed emotions from Jim Jam Arts as the Folkestone Living Advent Calendar 2023 comes to an end.
For more information visit our website https://flac.org.uk/ (https://flac.org.uk/) and follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/folkestonelivingadvent/?locale=en_GB (https://www.facebook.com/folkestonelivingadvent/?locale=en_GB)
Find out more about South Kent Mind:
Just Giving: South Kent Mind - Winter Campaign - Wrapped in Support (https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/wrappedinsupport2023)
Website: South Kent Mind (https://southkentmind.org.uk/)
Facebook: South Kent Mind (https://www.facebook.com/southkentmind/)
This podcast has been made possible thanks to funding from Big Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, Arts Council England, Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, Creative Folkestone and some kind and supportive Folkestone & Hythe District Councillors.
15 Dec 2023
Ten Doors to Go! Embracing the spirit of togetherness in Folkestone
As we cross the halfway mark of the Folkestone Living Advent Calendar, host Clare Reeves brings you closer to the heart of this festive journey, with just 10 days left until Christmas!
This week has been a whirlwind of diverse performances, ranging from variety shows to cabaret. Clare has been on the ground, podcast mic in hand, capturing the essence of these spectacular events.
Listen to the sounds of a silent disco and chance to let go behind door 7 and a musical improv performance behind door 11. Plus we hear from Napier Friends community manager Vic Nelson as she explains how your donations will support refugees this Christmas.
With 14 doors opened, Clare checks in with Sadie and Marin from Jim Jam Arts and Lady Christmas to get their insights on organizing this 24-day Christmas festival. They reflect on the ongoing success, the growing crowds (despite the rain!), and the joy of bringing the community together in celebration.
We take a moment to recognise the emotional impact of the event and hear from Lady Christmas as she reveals the locations of the doors for next week.
Remember to subscribe now wherever you are listening.
1:12 – Clare speaks with volunteer lightstick holder Janet.
2:46 – Susanna Howard from Living Words tells us how she thinks the performance will go on the night.
4:32 – Live action from door number 7 where Living Words performed at Chaos Cards.
8:53 – Napier Friends community manager Vic Reeves tells us how donations at the doors can make a difference.
9:51 – Owners of the door 11 venue 21st Century Speedway tell Clare what’s hidden behind the red door all year round.
11:57 – Improv performer Lucy Trodd talks to Clare ahead of the door 11 performance.
12:58 – Live from door number 11 where Lucy, Jason, Nadia and pianist Duncan Walsh Atkins made up an improv musical about a snowman on Mars at Speedway.
18:58 – Clare catches up with Jim Jam Arts organisers Sadie and Marin and chats with Lady Christmas about what day it is!
21:12 – The emotional impact of the Folkestone Living Advent Calendar.
24:47 – Locations of doors 15 to 21.
25:45 – What’s coming up in next week’s final episode?
For more information visit our website https://flac.org.uk/ and follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/folkestonelivingadvent/?locale=en_GB
Find out more about Napier Friends at https://www.facebook.com/NapierFriends/
This podcast has been made possible thanks to funding from Big Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, Arts Council England, Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, Creative Folkestone and some kind and supportive Folkestone & Hythe District Councillors.
8 Dec 2023
Festive Delight On Opening Night - doors one to eight revealed!
It’s time to open this year’s Folkestone Living Advent Calendar!
Join host Clare Reeves as she guides us through door openings filled with artistic wonder and community spirit.
We hear from Sue and Sadie of Jim Jams Arts as they welcome eight performances to the Harbour Arm for the first door of 2023.
Lady Christmas reveals more Christmas magic about her wintry wardrobe. James Middleton from Neon Afterschool Performance Group tells Clare about the work that went into the performance behind door 5 at The Quarterhouse.
Susanna Howard from Living Words speaks about the improv group’s moving performance from last year, before revealing what they’ve been working on for door number seven. The group performed behind door seven at Chaos Cards and Clare catches up with general manager of the board game store, Liz Flyn.
Stay tuned to hear where next week’s doors will be and remember to subscribe now wherever you are listening.
2:02 – Sadie and Sue from Jim Jam Arts talks to Clare ahead of the big reveal at door one at The Harbour Arm.
3:00 – Lady Christmas reveals more about her velvet outfit.
4:25 – Dan Johannson from The Harbour Arm speaks to Clare as the atmosphere gets festive on opening night.
5:30 – CEO of The Rainbow Centre Mary Stredwick speaks to Clare about how donations collected at door one will help support people experiencing deprivation and hardship throughout Folkestone and Hythe district.
7:40 – James Middleton from Neon afterschool performance group talks to Clare ahead of their living advent calendar performance behind door number five.
10:36 – The Trial of Jack Frost is brought to life at The Quarterhouse by Neon afterschool performance group and The Young Animators Club.
14:56 – General manager of Chaos Cards, Liz Flyn speaks to Clare about hosting door number seven.
16:48 – Susanna Howard from Living Words remembers a previous Living Advent Calendar performance and talks about what’s in store behind door number seven this year.
22:33 – Lady Christmas reveals the locations of doors eight to 14.
For more information visit our website https://flac.org.uk/ (https://flac.org.uk/) and follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/folkestonelivingadvent/?locale=en_GB (https://www.facebook.com/folkestonelivingadvent/?locale=en_GB)
Find out more about The Rainbow Centre at https://www.rainbow-centre.org/ (https://www.rainbow-centre.org/)
This podcast has been made possible thanks to funding from Big Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, Arts Council England, Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, Creative Folkestone and some kind and supportive Folkestone & Hythe District Councillors.
1 Dec 2023
A sweet start to Folkestone Living Advent Calendar 2023
This week we’re celebrating the return of the chocolate Folkestone Living Advent Calendar and excitement builds as we prepare to open door number one!
Host Clare Reeves speaks to Dan Johansson from The Harbour Arm, the location for this year’s first door opening. He tells us what it means for the venue to be number one on the calendar and lets us in on where to get the best view.
We also hear from organisers Sue, Sadie and Marin of Jim Jam Arts as they prepare to open door number one of 24! We hear about the work that goes on to get them to show time on December 1.
Lucy Thompson tells us the story behind becoming Lady Christmas, and reveals the locations of this week’s living advent calendar doors.
Plus we hear from graphic designer Scarlett Rickard whose work can be seen on the chocolate advent calendar, event posters and even on our podcast artwork!
Subscribe now wherever you are listening.
0:00 – Sue from Jim Jam Arts discusses the immense preparation required for 24 daily performances.
5:28 – Learn how this community-led arts festival receives vital funding from sources like the Big Lottery and Arts Council England.
8:33 – Lucy Thompson talks about the evolution of the role of Mrs Christmas. Her various costumes to her distinctive 1950s rock 'n' roll style, and the impact she has on the children and families of Folkestone.
15:09 – Dan Johansson from The Harbour Arm talks about the preparations for hosting door number one on December 1.
17:37 –Graphic designer Scarlett Rickard talks about her role in creating the advent calendar's artwork.
For more information visit our website https://flac.org.uk/ (https://flac.org.uk/) and follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/folkestonelivingadvent/?locale=en_GB (https://www.facebook.com/folkestonelivingadvent/?locale=en_GB)
This podcast has been made possible thanks to funding from Big Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, Arts Council England, Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, Creative Folkestone and some kind and supportive Folkestone & Hythe District Councillors.
24 Nov 2023
Beyond the doors: Unwrapping Folkestone’s Living Advent Calendar
This episode is full of heartfelt interviews and behind-the-scenes insights, as we explore the creation, and impact of Folkestone’s unique Christmas event.
Host Clare Reeves catches up with the Directors of JimJam to find out more about how the popular performing arts group came to be. Sadie Hurley and Sue Blakesley are joined by FLAC assistant project manager Marin Karakaya as they talk about the work that goes on behind the scenes to get 24 live performances ready at 24 different venues across the town for the month of December.
We also hear from CEO of Home Start Shepway Sam O’Connor about the impact of donations given at the doors.
Listen out for Lady Christmas who’ll be revealing the location of door number one ahead of next Friday’s December 1 event.
Subscribe now wherever you are listening.
1:10 – Mark and Debbie from 20th Century Speedway share memories of past Folkestone Living Advent Calendar events.
5:10 – Lady Christmas reveals the location of door number one.
5:44 – Sue and Sadie from Jim Jam Arts discuss how their group creates the magic of Christmas on the streets of Folkestone night after night.
7:12 – Jim Jam’s community arts projects lead to the advent calendar.
12:47 – Jim Jam Arts' future plans, and funding challenges.
15:02 – Home Start Shepway CEO Sam O'Connor discusses the charity's work in the community and how donations from the Folkestone Living Advent Calendar supports their work.
Home Start Shepway is a charity based in Folkestone providing practical support for families. Find out more at https://homestartshepway.org.uk/ (https://homestartshepway.org.uk/)
This podcast has been made possible thanks to funding from Big Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, Arts Council England, Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, Creative Folkestone and some kind and supportive Folkestone & Hythe District Councillors.
17 Nov 2023
Reflecting on Folkestone’s favourite Christmas tradition
Welcome to the first episode of the Folkestone Living Advent Calendar podcast! In this episode, we delve into the heartwarming origins, evolution, and impact of Folkestone's unique live advent calendar tradition, a blend of community spirit and festive cheer.
Host Clare Reeves speaks with Directors of Jim Jam Arts and FLAC Sadie Hurley, and Sue Blakesley and FLAC assistant project manager Marin Karakaya about the origins of Folkestone Living Advent Calendar. They also share their most memorable moments from the calendar’s last five years and talk about the importance of the diverse performances and inclusive nature of this much-loved community event.
The surprise of what the performances behind the doors will be, is key to the fun of the event. We won’t give anything away but we do manage to get a tantalising hint or two! You’ll just have to listen each week to hear moments of magic from the week’s door openings and discover the location of the doors in the week to come.
Subscribe now wherever you are listening!
0:00 – Origins of Folkestone's Living Advent Calendar: Discover how an event in Stockholm inspired Sadie, Sue, and Marin to create this magical event.
3:24 – Hear about the festival's beginnings and its growth.
7:30 – Sadie, Sue and Marin discuss the deep connections and friendships forged through this annual Christmas tradition which has inclusivity and accessibility at its heart.
11:44 – The magic of an opera performance in a pizza restaurant and a Ukrainian choir filling a library with festive song.
15:31 – An audio montage of events behind the doors from years gone by.
This podcast has been made possible thanks to funding from Big Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, Arts Council England, Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, Creative Folkestone and some kind and supportive Folkestone & Hythe District Councillors.
10 Nov 2023
Welcome to the Folkestone Living Advent Calendar podcast
Join in with Folkestone’s unique real-life advent calendar experience by tuning in to The Folkestone Living Advent Calendar podcast!
Every day throughout December a door will be opened in the Kent seaside town revealing a Christmas surprise! Folkestone resident Clare Reeves is our host. She’ll be speaking with the creators and organisers, discovering more about the cherished venues that bring the advent calendar to life and the charities that benefit.
The Folkestone Living Advent Calendar (https://flac.org.uk/) podcast is a celebration of community spirit and festive goodwill. In each episode, we'll reveal the upcoming week's door locations, hear interviews with those who make the event possible and highlights from the week’s advent adventures.
This weekly podcast will be released each Friday from November 17 until December 22, 2023. Subscribe now and become a part of our living advent calendar — where every door opens to a story, and every story opens the heart.
This podcast has been made possible thanks to funding from Big Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, Arts Council England, Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, Creative Folkestone and some kind and supportive Folkestone & Hythe District Councillors.
Contact Folkestone Living Advent Calendar
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