Events

  • Author Conversation

    Join Bookseller Hunter for a conversation with their friend, Hanna Thomas Uose to discuss Hanna’s debut novel Who Wants to Live Forever.
    Hunter was an early reader of this incredible novel so will chat to Hanna about the journey from idea to draft to publication. The book is a beautifully written alternative reality story that truly asks the question: who does want to live forever?

    Thursday 3rd April
    6.00pm

  • Rickard Sisters Illustrated Talk

    Join historical graphic novel writing duo Scarlett and Sophie Rickard for a talk about their latest book and their careers - and what it’s like working with your sister!

    Books will be available to be signed on the night.

    Refreshments available. Your £5 ticket acts as a deposit towards any books purchased on the night.

    Tuesday April 15th

    6:00pm

  • Writing Workshop

    Under the guidance of award-winning short story writer and novelist Rosie Garland learn how to take your writing to the next level during a 2-hour workshop.

    The workshop will be in Kollectiv at 69 The Old High Street, where you can enjoy delicious coffee and pastries while you write, and there will be time before and after to mingle with other writers.

    Saturday 26th April
    10:00am - 12:30pm

    Tickets are price at £15 per person, with the option to add on a copy of Rosie’s latest book for a discounted price of £9*

    Workshop attendees can attend Rosie’s author talk on Friday 25th April for free

    There are a limited number of tickets available for low-income writers, reach out to us on email or book in-store to reserve one.

    *Books are for collection either on Friday 25th April or at the workshop

  • Author Conversation

    Join us for an evening with Rosie Garland to celebrate the launch of her latest short story collection Your Sons and Your Daughters are Beyond.

    Rosie will read from the collection, be in conversation with Bookseller Hunter and then answer your questions and be available to sign copies of her book!

    Friday 25th April
    6.30pm

    If you would like to pre-order a copy of the book along with your ticket you can do that for a special price of £9

  • 101 Papercutting Workshop

    Papercutting Workshop: 2-Hour Introductory Class

    Discover the calming craft of papercutting. Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced crafter, explore a new skill and create a beautiful piece to take home.

    What to Expect

    Basics & Techniques: Learn foundational papercutting methods with guided practice sheets.

    Hands-On Practice: Receive step-by-step instruction as you craft your final design.

    All-Inclusive: All materials and refreshments are provided—just bring your creativity!

    Price: £20 per person (2-hour session)

    Meet Your Host, Jay

    Jay was introduced to papercutting in early childhood in China and has honed this art form professionally for over 8 years.

    Mondays (Fortnightly)
    12:30–2:30 PM

    Friday (Fortnightly)
    6:30–8:30 PM

    Saturday (Monthly)
    1:00–3:00 PM

    Book Your Spot

    Spaces are limited to maintain a hands-on experience. Secure your seat by booking below (or email/DM us with any questions). We can’t wait to share this timeless craft with you!

  • Publishing 101

    Join publishing professional hunter for a presentation covering all the aspects of making your book a reality, with tangible tips and personalised advice.

    Topics will include:
    How do I know when I’ve finished writing?
    A step-by-step guide to publication
    Self-publishing vs traditional publishing
    Preparing your work for submission
    DIY vs hiring professionals
    Comparative research - what is my USP?

    20th Mar, 6.30pm
    £12 Per person

    Refreshments available.
    All attendees will receive a hand-out guide including further resources
    The shop will be open for browsing with extra discounts on curated creative writing books and guides
    Group discounts available

  • Beginner Quiltmaking

    The Stitchest presents.. Beginners quilt making!

    We are very happy to be hosting @_the_stitchist_ 's fantastic course in March. To reserve your spot please get in contact with Alison.

    Each session is only £10 or £35 for all sessions, treat yourself or another to a crafty couple hours 🧶

    The course will run in our cosy space at @thefolkestonebookshop and as always hot drinks and refreshments are all available free of charge in our community reading room. As with all our events and workshops, on the day you can expect 10% off books in-store, just let our bookseller know you are booked onto the session.

    Looking forward to seeing you there!

    Bookings via thestitchistsews@gmail.com

  • Free Storytimes

    Readings of both new and classic picture books presented by our booksellers. No reservation is required—simply arrive and conveniently place your buggy at the entrance or in our craft room.

    An adult must accompany children, and there is no charge for participation. Refreshments will be provided for all attendees to enjoy.

    Also, watch out for our special interactive storytime sessions with guest storytellers or authors. These events usually require tickets, so subscribing to our newsletter is recommended to stay updated.

    April Storytimes:

    Thursdays
    11:30 AM to 12:30 PM

  • Silent Book Club

    Join us for silent book club every other Wednesday, 12:30PM-2:30PM.

    Bring your own book, read companionable alongside others at your own pace.

    All types of reading welcome, physical, audiobooks, E-books.

    Meetup attendees are encouraged to reman quiet during the quiet reading hour, but there will likely be ambient noise from the space around us so feel free to bring headphones/earplugs if you prefer.

    12:30PM - 1PM: Settle in, make yourself a tea or coffee, and grab a snack.
    1PM-2PM: Silent reading hour
    2PM-2:30PM: Chat or keep reading!

  • Sunday Writing Hangout

    You might not have heard, but every Sunday @kirstynbrook hosts a friendly and laidback writing group from 10AM to 12PM!

    There is no pressure to share what you've written, and you can work on literally anything! Even your shopping list.

    Tea and coffee is available as usual for free and you can leave us a donation at the counter if you feel like it.

    We look forward to seeing some new faces! (All your old faces are lovely too.)

  • Publishing Consultancy

    📣 CALLING ALL WRITERS! 📣
    📚Let’s get you published!📚

    If you are looking to go down the traditional publishing route but are feeling stuck, then book me in for a one-on-one consultation.

    I offer an approach to publishing that is realistic and holistic - let’s find a way to publication that is right for you, so your best work is presented to the world and you can achieve your writing goals.
    More details and information at grindandbearing.bigcartel.com

    Steps:
    Consultation
    A thorough review and edit of your submission packet with optional manuscript extract edit
    A collaborative analysis of the edits

    You will come away with:
    Ready to send query letters
    A comparative research guide
    A prospective list of contacts
    A personalised roadmap to publication.

Regular Events

  • Illustration Study Club

    Come along to draw whimsical woodland creatures with a bunch of lovely illustration folks - no experience necessary, supplies provided (paper, pens, pencils, paints) and a mini-zine guide available!

    Hosted by @jen_the_illustrator

    Next session TBC

  • Silent Bookclub

    We are the Folkestone chapter of the Silent Book Club. Our function is simple; to gather together to silently read.

    There are no expectations or pressure, our group is a welcoming space and there for that bit of escapism we all need in our everyday lives.

    Next meet up TBC

  • Nervous Drawing

    This two-hour session will introduce you to the nervous drawing technique using colour pencils and watercolours. It is a relaxed way of exploring your creative energies and breaking the fear of making marks on paper.

    Next workshops TBC

  • Arts and Crafts

    Our arts & crafts room is open most days and free to use! We have colouring books, paper and colouring in materials. There are also lots of books to cut up and reuse. This room is open to kids and adults.

    Please get in touch if you are planning a visit to the room, we sometimes need it for organising our books! You can also click the link below to check when it’s privately booked, or if you would like to book it yourself!

  • Reading Room

    Our reading room is open most days with tea, soft drinks and filter coffee available for free or for a donation if you are able.

    There are a range of books available to sit in and read that have been donated by individuals and groups such as the Siobhan Dowd trust and Whitechapel Gallery.

    There are also plenty of zines and magazines on a range of topics.

    The reading room is also available for private hire, please check out the link below to learn more.

We are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, however, many of our events are hosted by external parties.To ensure our ethos is upheld by the hosts, we welcome feedback from participants and attendees. You can submit feedback via the form below; your responses are totally anonymous.