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.

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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.