World-renowned artists put work on display at festival

World famous artists will be heading to Folkestone this autumn as the 2014 Triennial kicks off on Saturday.

Yoko Ono will be headlining the festival this year and is creating two new exclusive works for Folkestone but is not going to be appearing in person at the festival, organisers revealed this week.

Margate’s Tracey Emin will be in town on Saturday as the launch day coincides with the arts extrav- aganza the Vauxhall Art Car Boot Fair at the harbour.

She will be joined by comedian and Ashford resident Vic Reeves who will be attending to personally sell prints from as well as pottery and paintings. Dozens of other artists selling works from the back of new and classic Vauxhall cars and vans.

There are items for all enthusiasts to pick with Emin creating limited edition embroided artworks specially for the fair as well as posters and sculptures ranging from £50 up to £800 and works by others i ncluding a host of Folkestone based from £10.

Saturday will also see the opening of the revamped Payers Park which is hoped will link the town centre with the Old High Street, Tontine Street and Grace Hill.

It has been commissioned for the Triennial and features new planting, seating, walkways, play area, outdoor classroom and gym with 24 parking spaces also part of the plan.

The £1.5 million redevelopment has been funded through Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, Kent County Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Leader of Shepway District Council Cllr David Monk said: “The renaissance of this previously uncared for space is breathtaking. For anyone who hasn’t yet seen it I encourage you to join us for the opening events on Saturday.

“We are delighted to take on the management of the park.”

Alastair Upton chief executive of the Creative Foundation said: “This imaginative project will transform what has been an eyesore for so many years. This will be another significant piece in the jigsaw that is coming together to make this area of town much more attractive.”

The opening and official Triennial launch will take place in the park at 10am on Saturday with a live music event later in the afternoon at 5.30pm. evidence of the tragedy, only emptiness for remembrance, a plaque retelling the story.

“I was moved by the sobriety of this commemoration with the desire to keep this spirit of ‘fertile emptiness’.”

The piece will feature sound and drawing and ties in with a series of exhibitions at the Brewery Tap next door until the end of the Triennial in November.

The site will be home to a new permanent memorial due for completion next year.

Yoko Ono and Vic Reeves, above, will be exhibiting their artwork at the Folkestone Triennial