Friday 21 October

Hidden Treasure Micropub

18.30 Michael James Parker – Big Performance Poet

Michael is the crowd-energising host of Brighton’s Hammer and Tongue Poetry Slam amongst many

other things. He inspires and engages, thrills and enthuses his audience with words, passion and

endless energy.  "'Michael James Parker's kaleidoscopic poetry and compelling hallucinogenic narratives drag us into worlds we did not even suspect exist. A brilliant and unique performer. Book him.'  Joelle Taylor, Artistic Director of SLAMbassadors UK and champion of the art

The Ocean Inn - Comedy 

20.00 - 21.00  UCL Graters present ‘Murder? I hardly know her’

Think Cambridge Footlights but from the University of Central London. UCL premier sketch comedy group perform their 2021 Edinburgh fringe set.  "A murder in an escape room?  Inconvenient for the victim, perhaps, but very handy for inspectors who wish to keep their suspects in one place.  Killer sketches and absurdist characters that you leave you dying for more!"

Saturday 22 October

Dymchurch Village Hall

10.00 – 17.00 Pollinator Pot Project

Be a pollinator pot hero! Sow your own wildflowers in tiny pots to take home for your garden. Check out the video at turnthetidefestival.org/pollinator-pot-project.

10.00 – 12.00 Pottery workshop 

Always popular - lead by local artist and sculptor Andrew Ashton.

12.00 Richard Handley

A leading clown, comic actor and puppeteer, his show features hilarious, interactive and visual comedy rooted in the Commedia Del’Arte tradition. His repertoire includes street theatre and walkabout characters, and he has performed in 21 countries and now comes to the fifth continent!

13.00 Fencing with Tenterden Swords

Back by popular demand these wonderful folk had us lunging and parrying like swashbuckling sailors last time. If you missed your chance – here’s another!

14.00 Face painting workshop

Here’s a fantastic chance to beat those face painting queues at every event. Do it yourself after being shown the tricks of the trade by face painter to the stars Claire Brookwell.

14.00 Historical tour of Dymchurch

Local archaeologist Chris Cole will run an historical tour of Dymchurch, meet him watching the fencing and set off…..

15.00 Pennyless

If you haven’t come across these talented performers around the village – here’s your chance to see them up close and personal.

15.30 Jack Day

There is much more to Jack Day then his regular opera singing at Covent Garden. Come and see how he combines a little clowning and a touch of magic with his vocal skills, and you will understand how he has become one of Britain’s most interesting corporate entertainers.

16.00 Megan Swan

The world’s most prestigious magic society is The Magic Circle. Megan Swan is the first woman, and youngest ever, president.   Award-winning Megan' s Green Magic Show is lighthearted with an environmental twist - we love the sound of this and can't wait to see it!  Check out https://www.meganswann.co.uk/green-magic for more info.

17.00 Pirate Panto

Capain Barnacle (AKA Chris Brown) sails here from Bristol to deliver this extraordinary show for all ages. With tabletop puppetry, pirate props and lashings of ludicrous audience participation – x marks the spot, come drop your anchor!

18.00 – 21.00 Old Time Sailors

If you do one thing this weekend, it’s this! With 17 charismatic, carousing crew – these unique flashmob performers will drag and dunk you into the 19 th century. There’ll be singing, dancing, waving of tankards and, oh yes, lots of that aaaaarg!  There be grub too, provided by Dymchurch's very own Day of Syn volunteers.  Steaming bowls of Vegetable Casserole (Vegan/Gluten Free)  Sausage Casserole (vegetarian and meat options available) served with a hunk of bread for riotous dipping.  You bring the grog though!   All proceeds to the Day of Syn - suggested donation of £4 adults/£2 child.

Peter Sloper Room - Dymchurch Village Hall

12.00 – 16.00 Community Arts Studio and Exhibition

A variety of short, fun, drop-in art worskhops hosted by amazing artists Dee Taylor, David Alderman, Phillipa Dutton, Alex Boican, Leigh Leopald Wolfmann, Claire Brookwell & David Jones See below for details.

The Ship

14.00  Jack Day 

Roving opera supremo - prepare to be amazed!

The Ocean Inn

22.00 Chicken Shed Zepplin

Purveyors of the finest in old-time, dance-ya-socks off, banjo thrashing hillbilly mountain music. 

Sunday 23 October

Dymchurch Village Hall

10.00 – 15.00 Pollinator Pot Project

Be a pollinator pot hero!  Sow your own wildflowers in tiny pots to take home for your garden. Check out the video (coming soon)

10.00 – 12.00 Mosaic workshop

Artists Philippa and Clake will tease out the creativity from within your very soul.

12.00 Pirate Panto

If you missed Captain Barnacle yesterday (check there for details), then ere’s yer last chance mehearties!

12.00 – 14.00 (Outside) Archery

Once again Dymchurch’s very own champion shooter, Doug Fuller, provides the ever-popular chance to have a go at this ancient and impressive sport. We can’t thank him enough.

13.00 Betty Townsend School of Dance

For many – this is the highlight of the festival, our local dance heroes – whose hits have included dancing an indoor firework display – return with their interpretation of The Sea. Mermaids and Urchins welcome.

13.30 - 15.30 Circus Skills & Hula Hoop Workshop

Join Laura Davis has combined circus and flow arts into her dance training and will guide anyone of any age or ability through hula hoop, poi, diablo, juggling and more. Come and have a go!

14.30 Didgeridoo workshop

Sandy Lawson has played and taught for over 20 years.  He's performed with Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and Groove Armada – here’s your one chance to have a go with the best. Breath in and……

15.30 Mazaika duo

The Mazaika Duo is a perfect, yet totally unconventional marriage of violin, accordion and voice, with performances full of fun, excitement and virtuosity, with emotional depth and musical subtlety. Their twinkling humour, rapport with the audience and with each other gives the audience an intoxicating experience which they will not easily forget. Mazaika can take you on a troika into the heart of Russia, where you will experience the joy and sorrow of Russian folk and Gypsy songs and the fiery passion of the gypsy violin. The sold out the Purcell Rooms on London’s South Bank three times – so let’s all turn out for this showstopper!

16.30 ACD-arts – East African music and dance

ACD-arts is a World Music and Dance group that specializes in both contemporary and traditional African Music especially from East Africa. Blending African and Western instruments, their music, energetic dancing and colourful costumes will get both young and old dancing and clapping to a fusion of African rhythms, Soca, Khalimba, Lingala, Soukous, Zomba and drumming. We dare you to sit still!

Peter Sloper Room - Dymchurch Village Hall 

12.00 – 16.00 Community Arts Studio and Exhibition 

A variety of short, fun, drop-in art worskhops hosted by amazing artists Dee Taylor, David Alderman, Phillipa Dutton, Alex Boican, Leigh Leopald Wolfmann, Claire Brookwell & David Jones  See below for details.

St Peter & and St Paul’s Church

15.00 The Marsh Choir  

Our local and massive community choir singing rock and pop songs.  The Flock that Rocks - always a joyous occasion! 

16.00  Martin Ledner & the Haunted Folk

Something local and traditional – performing original songs, ballads and shanties in a twisted visceral style. Featuring the myth, legends and history of the local area including an ode to Romney Marsh. They’re in the right place then.

17.00  Trouvere – medieval minstrels

Paul Leigh and Gill Page play a fascinating array of instruments recreating the middle age music from the time of the crusades. They look stunning too - unique is such an understatement, we hope everyone runs into them over the weekend.

17.45  Sandy Lawson

Don't miss the chance to see this didjeridu genius perform - he was so good last time that we just HAD to have him back!!

18.30 – 20.30 Graffiti Classics

16 strings, 8 dancing feet and 4 voices with 1 aim: to make classical music wickedly funny and fantastically exhilarating. Graffiti Classics bursts the boundaries of the traditional string quartet with its hilarious all-singing, all-dancing musical comedy cabaret show. “A cabaret that will leave you wanting more” Daily Mail.  Interval drinks will be served.

Around the village during the weekend

Community Arts Studio and Exhibition (Peter Sloper Room) 

A series of short, accessible drop-in art workshops for all ages!  Come and have a go at something different and meet some fantastic real-life artists! 

SATURDAY 22nd October

12.00 Alex Boican

13.00 David Alderman

14.00 Face Painting Workshop - Top tips from face painter to the stars Claire Brookwell.

15.00 Leigh Leopald Wolffmann

SUNDAY 23rd October

12.00  tbc

13.00 Crepe Paper flowers with Phillippa Dutton

14.00 Pirate Drawing with Dee Taylor. Painter & exhibiting artist in Folkestone’s Creative Quarter.

15.00 David Jones

Plus...

The ever horrible and yet delightfully cuddly Trolls, watch out for snot and worse.

Pirate expert and all-round wonder Chris Brown.

Pennyless – fiddle, guitar and joy combined.

The Magpie – the beautiful enigmatic storyteller with wings, if you meet him, you’ll know it.

Richard Handley – the term clown does not do his talent justice!

Giant Bubble-Blowing Stilt-Walking Sally!

Friends of Dymchurch Martello Tower 24 will open the tower 2 – 4 Saturday.

Trouvere – medieval minstrels.