2023 Events

We are delighted to be able to resume exchange visits with the French this year in Northern France. Please contact us for further details.

Activities on the French side:

Weekend Visit 24/06/2023 -

















Cercamp Castle, Frevent visit : 24/06/2023 –





Esquelbecq Castle visit and gardens in the Nord department : 25/06/2023




Activities on the British side:

Summer lunch at Matthew's in Sandgate - 19/07/2023

Faversham and Mount Ephraim Gardens nearby – 02/09/2023

Margate and shell grotto – 03/09/2023

We always enjoy a French meal hosted by the French plus an overnight stay when we visit France.

10th Twinning Anniversary

2019 marked the 10th anniversary of the twinning between Folkestone and Etaples – sur – Mer, France. To commemorate this important event, a reception was held at the Town Hall in Etaples on 12th October organised by the Mayor, Mr Phillipe Fait, and the French twinning committee.

The ceremony was attended by French and English dignitatiries, including the former Mayor of Etaples, Mr Jean-Claude Baheux, who was one of the two signatories of the Twinning Charter in 2009.

In their speeches, the dignitaries emphasized the importance of the twinning between Folkestone and Etaples, twinning which consolidated and built on the centuries long historic link between the two towns. Mr Fait hoped that the friendship between Folkestone and Etaples would continue in the future despite Brexit.

Rodica Wheeler, the founder and chairman of the Folkestone Twinning Association, praised the dedication and hard work of the twinning committees both in Folkestone and Etaples for being instrumental in building and maintaining the strong relationship between the two towns. She added: “I am sure that you will agree with me that the term “friends” is appropriate to describe the close relationship and mutual understanding that we have developed over the years”. She went on to say that this close relationship has only been possible through the regular events and visits organised each year not only in the two towns, but also in other areas of interest in Kent and Northern France.

At the beginning of each year, the respective committees of Folkestone and Etaples produce a list of events and suggestions for the year. This is published on our website www.folkestonetwinning.co.uk , along with other information about the Twinning Association including a joining form. You can also send us by email at info@folkestonetwinning.co.uk

Events 2019

Belmont House and Gardens visit Tue 30th July
Apart from the history of the house and beautiful gardens, they have one of the best, if not the best, clocks collections in the country, which should be of interest.

Summer Lunch at Matthew’s on 19th July

Chilham Castle on Wednesday 28 August
There will be a guided tour of the house following a picnic lunch in the grounds.

Quiz night on 25th October at Holy Trinity Church hall - CLICK HERE to download Quiz Poster

French Events

27th April 2019 - Saint Omer
Marshes with a boat trip and lunch in the town of St. Omer and a visit to the cathedral.

18th May 2019 - Saint Valery- sur -Somme
Medieval town, garden visit with medicinal herbs, towers and ramparts dating from 11th century.

7th September 2019 - Arques crystal works
Guided tour of the factory to discover how the crystal is made. Discovery of the boat lift and walk along the canal.