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Folkestone Rotarians support revised post-Covid carnival

Folkestone Rotarians support revised post-Covid carnival

With the country slowly coming out of lockdown, so plans are being made for safe and measured community events. In Kent, people in Folkestone are looking forward to a modified carnival.

Folkestone Channel Rotary`s incoming President, Gary Calver has presented a £250 cheque to Brigitte Orasinski, Artistic Director of Strange Cargo in continued support of the next generation of children.

The money will help the charity to stage their Charivari Day carnival on July 31st. This year is the carnival’s 25th anniversary, and the 2021 version will have a different feel because of the Covid restrictions.

Instead of 700 children and adults taking part in our parade through the streets of Folkestone, they will turn Folkestone into a carnival town for Charivari Day, providing a musical, carnival float which will be driven around the Kent town.

Folkestone carnival

Gary Calver, said: “This carnival brings joy and life, something that we all need as we leave lockdown behind us.

Gary Calver, said: “This carnival brings joy and life, something that we all need as we leave lockdown behind us.

“Strange Cargo will use the funds to help children to develop their artistic skills to make fantastic costumes for this colourful event, which has engaged hundreds of Primary School pupils each year.”

Brigitte Orasiniski, Strange Cargo’s Artistic Director said: “We will distribute 2,000 Bag of Doings carnival kits via schools and local collection points, with materials for participants to create costumes and make flags and streamers to hang on the front of their homes or display in their front gardens.”

Folkestone Channel Rotary has been industrious this past year, donating nearly £25,000 for pandemic projects, including mental health and education, the Churches Winter Shelter, Age UK Folkestone and the Schools Hardship Fund of the local Primary School.

These funds were raised by the Folkestone Channel Triathlon, Channel Rotary’s Winter Appeal and member Alan Myer’s heroic month of swims in the English Channel.