12th August 2016. The spectacular annual Folkstone Trawler Race took place over the weekend of 6th and 7th August. Folkestone Festivals, the Folkestone Trawlers group and National Coastwatch organised the event, having brought it back to the town in 2014.

Cath Mison, one of the organisers, said: "The whole weekend is a free event for all the community and to raise funds for our National Coastwatch. It has to be one of the best events in Folkestone's calendar – not only does it bring our town together, but it promotes our wonderful town and brings visitors from afar to join in with this historical tradition”.

The entertainment included the trawler race itself, with the crews battling each other in the harbour with water hoses and flour bombs, live music, market stalls, SplashPals Newfoundland Dog Rescue display, Punch & Judy and a whole range of performances across the two days.

The team at NCI Folkstone held a Grand Summer Draw, which ran for three months and was finally drawn on the day, with all the prizes donated by local businesses. They also ran a tombola stall, a human fruit machine, an information stall and collected around the event, raising £1400.  John Keeble, Station Manager at NCI Folkstone said “We have taken part in this local event over the past few years. We find that the public are very supportive and their generosity over the two days was tremendous. It does take a lot of work and involvement by the members but the enthusiasm is there and a very enjoyable day was had by all”.

The photograph shows the NCI Folkestone team working the human fruit machine and enjoying a well-earned break.