Folkestone Fragments: Echoes of Art, Memory & Time Travel by the Sea

A talk by Emre Araci.

ABOUT THE TALK

Once a glittering stopover for artists, musicians and writers en route to the Continent, Folkestone holds stories half-forgotten by history but richly alive in memory. In this illustrated talk, Dr Emre Aracı—music historian, composer, and long-time resident of the town—guides us through the elegant remnants of Folkestone’s Edwardian past. From Chopin’s fleeting farewell in 1848 to Oscar Wilde’s flower-strewn welcome for Sarah Bernhardt, the town was a stage for figures who once stepped ashore with purpose and poetry. Drawing from his recent book Folkestone Fragments, Dr Aracı blends archival discovery with personal reflection, sharing surprising connections between his own journey from Istanbul and the faded grandeur of this coastal retreat. A nostalgic and evocative tribute to a seaside town caught between time and tide.

Doors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start.  ​Refreshments will be served.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Dr. Emre Araci is a Turkish music historian, conductor, composer and author.  His book, The Grand Revisited, looks at the history of one of Folkestone’s most popular former hotels and his home for nearly 25 years and warranted a second edition.  He has now published a second book, Folkestone Fragments, looking at the town’s heyday and its literary and artistic visitors.

Emre will have copies of Folkestone Fragments available to purchase at the event.

ABOUT THE VENUE

The Back Hall is located within the Cornerstone Centre, formerly the United Reformed Church, next to Folkestone Central station.  It is located on Castle Hill Avenue, near the junction with Cheriton Road.  From the main entrance to the church, walk towards Kingsnorth Gardens and take the path behind the church, just before Bus Stop C.

The hall is on the ground floor with no stairs and has a disabled toilet.  There is a slight step into the entrance and a couple of 90 degree turns to enter.  If you have any accessibility needs, please Contact Us so we can make arrangements for you, including on-site parking.

TRAVEL TO THE VENUE

By Bus:

The venue is close to the Folkestone Central stops.

Stop A serves buses heading towards Folkestone town centre from Canterbury (16/17), Cheriton (71/71A), Creteway Down / Dover Road (76) and Hawkinge (73).

Stop B serves buses departing from Folkestone Bus Station towards Broadmead (74), Canterbury (16/17), Cheriton (71/71A), Creteway Down / Dover Road (76), Dover via Temple Ewell (91A) and Hawkinge (73).

For timetables, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations, visit the Stagecoach website or download the app.

By Car:

There is a controlled parking zone around the Cornerstone Centre.  Parking can be found on Shorncliffe Road or the dual carriageway part of Castle Hill Avenue.  Alternatively, you can pre-book a space at Folkestone Central station via the APCOA website or app.

By Train:

Take the train to Folkestone Central station (one stop on from Folkestone West coming from London/Ashford).  When exiting the station, turn right, follow the road to the end, then walk under the bridge on your right.  The Cornerstone Centre is the church in front of you.

For timetables, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations, visit the Southeastern website.

BOOKING TICKETS

Tickets will be available on the door subject to availability – cash or card accepted.

To guarantee your place, book on Ticketsource without fees by clicking the ticket below.