Project

A four day festival of traditional and contemporary folk song, music and dance. Involves approx 700 volunteer Morris dancers, several hundred singers and musicians and the general public. Events include free sing-a-rounds, sessions, dance displays

What does your charity/project do?

The Trust was formed in May 1994 to preserve and advance public education and appreciation of traditional and contemporary folk music, song, dance and related traditions, crafts and folk arts as a part of the living heritage. It is supported by Tenterden Town, Ashford Borough and Kent County Councils and local businesses and other community organisations. It runs the festival, monthly folk club, educational workshops, acts as local development agency and works with local organisations

How does your charity/project support the local community?

Many events are free and held in public places so as to be accessable by the general public. Events include workshops and meet the guest sessions with a nominal ticket price to enable the local community to get involved in the events and understand more about the folk arts. Tickets for all other events are priced below the normal economic level to ensure access to all. All events take place in the Town Centre within 5 minutes walk of each other and the vast majority have easy access for all

What do you plan to use the CommunityForce award for?

The funds would enable us to raise the profile of the event with more local mixed media advertising. It would also enable us to bring in additional services such as recycling bins and additional portable toilets which we have put on hold as we cannot afford them this year. We would also upgrade facilities for dancers and provide improved PA systems for events to improve enjoyment by a greater number of people. If possible we would also book a small number of additional surprise guests.