Future Foundry

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Based in Biggin Hall, Dover.

Future Foundry offers transformational skills and career development programmes for young people facing barriers to building careers in the arts and creative industries.

09/10/2026

Tonight’s all about hidden stories and wild nights at Fort Burgoyne (CT15 5FN). 🌙🦇 Join us from 5–7pm as we venture into the historic casemates, watch birds settle, and spot bats taking flight. It’s a rare chance to see the fort come alive after dark.
Don’t forget: minibus pick-ups are available from Dover Market Square when you book (https://bit.ly/DYF2026), or contact [email protected] for details. Limited spaces only!

If you missed this one, don’t worry - Saturday’s synth workshop at Biggin Hall is still wide open. Come make weird music with Laurence Crow. All ages 10–19 welcome, completely free. 🕒 Ages 10–13: 9:30–11:30am 🕒 Ages 14–19: 12:30–3:30pm.

See you tonight!
Full details and booking: futurefoundry.org.uk/dover-youth-festival/

_________________

Dover Youth Festival is a Future Foundry project supported by Arts Council England, Dover Town Council, Port of Dover Community Fund, Dover Community Association, Kent Community Foundation, Kent County Council's Health and Nature Fund run in partnership with over 30 organisations in and around Dover.

08/10/2026

Moth & Fire Night 🔥🦋

What a way to kick off Dover Youth Festival 2026!

Last Friday we took over Biggin Hall after dark for The Forge: Moth & Fire Night - and it was a pretty magical night.

🔥 We built and burned two incredible sculptural moth bonfires one created by Amelia Johnson + Rainna Erbas, + The Forge group, and one by Frazer Doyle.
🦇 We listened to the amazing sonic sounds of a bat flying around Biggin Hall using a bat detector.
🦋 We set up a special moth light to safely attract and observe some of Dover’s night-time wildlife up close.
🪵 We learnt how to build fires and chop wood.
🥖 We made flatbreads and cooked them over the fire - followed by s’mores.
✨ And there was some excellent moth cosplay.

A huge thank you to everyone who came along, built, cooked, listened, watched, dressed up and stayed out with us after dark.

This is what Dover Youth Festival is all about - trying things you might not normally get to try, learning new skills, making ambitious things together and discovering your town in completely different ways.

And we’re only just getting started… 👀

Dover Youth Festival runs throughout October and everything is FREE for ages 10-19. Full programme + booking here: https://futurefoundry.org.uk/dover-youth-festival/

Dover Youth Festival is a Future Foundry project supported by Arts Council England, Dover Town Council, Port of Dover Community Fund Port of Dover, Dover Community Association, Kent Community Foundation, Kent County Council’s Health and Nature Fund run in partnership with over 30 organisations in and around Dover Kent County Council.

07/10/2026

Dover Youth Festival is buzzing this week with two very different free adventures! 🦇🎹

Join us:
🦇Friday 9th Oct 📍Fort Burgoyne CT15 5FN 🕒 5–7pm
An after-dark exploration at Fort Burgoyne. We’ll watch birds roost, spot bats hunting, and uncover the fort’s wild side alongside its history.
➡️Book your free space: https://bookwhen.com/wccp/e/ev-sdqiy-20261009170000 or link in bio.
➡️Minibuses run from Dover Market Square if you book in advance.

🎹 Saturday 10th Oct 📍Biggin Hall CT16 1BD
The Forge: Enter the Dungeon – a synth workshop with Laurence Crow .
🕒 Ages 10–13: 9:30–11:30am 🕒 Ages 14–19: 12:30–3:30pm.
➡️ Free. No booking needed, just bring your curiosity for some weird beats and bloops.

Let’s make some noise and explore together!
Full details and booking: futurefoundry.org.uk/dover-youth-festival/

_________________

Dover Youth Festival is a Future Foundry project supported by Arts Council England, Dover Town Council, Port of Dover Community Fund, Dover Community Association, Kent Community Foundation, Kent County Council's Health and Nature Fund run in partnership with over 30 organisations in and around Dover.

07/10/2026

Fort Burgoyne at Dusk 🦇

GO BAT HUNTING AFTER DARK AT FORT BURGOYNE 🦇🌙

This Friday we’re heading into Fort Burgoyne at dusk with White Cliffs Countryside Partnership - armed with bat detectors to find out what comes out when everyone else goes home.

We’ll start above ground as the sun goes down, looking out for birds heading back to roost. Then we’ll head through the Fort’s casemates and down into the lower levels as it gets darker.

And then comes the really good bit…

🦇 We’ll take bat detectors down into the Fort’s ditch and listen for bats emerging for the night.

Along the way, Lauren from White Cliffs Countryside Partnership will uncover some of Fort Burgoyne’s hidden history and show us how an old military fort has become an amazing home for wildlife.

🌙 FORT BURGOYNE AT DUSK
📅 Friday 9 October
📍 Fort Burgoyne, Dover, CT15 5FN
🎟 FREE for ages 10-19
⚠️ Places are limited, so you do need to book.

No experience needed. We’ll provide what you need - just wrap up warm and come ready to explore the Fort after dark.

➡️ Book HERE: https://bookwhen.com/wccp/e/ev-sdqiy-20261009170000

Part of Dover Youth Festival 2026 - a whole month of free things to make, explore, discover and take over across Dover.

Dover Youth Festival is a Future Foundry project supported by Arts Council England, Dover Town Council, Port of Dover Community Fund Port of Dover, Dover Community Association, Kent Community Foundation, Kent County Council's Health and Nature Fund run in partnership with over 30 organisations in and around Dover Kent County Council.

02/10/2026

Tonight’s the night! 🌟 Join us at Biggin Hall for The Forge: Moth & Fire Night (7–8.30pm), where we’ll be uncovering the secrets of Dover’s nocturnal wildlife. Think glowing discoveries, marshmallow roasts, and fireside chats under the stars.📍Biggin Hall, Dover, CT16 1BD. ➡️ Book your free space: https://bit.ly/DYF2026 or link in bio.

If you can’t make it tonight, don’t worry - Saturday’s Moths & Making session is still wide open. Bring your creativity and let’s turn last night’s finds into something amazing.
🕒 Ages 10–13: 9:30am – 11:30am 🕒 Ages 14–19: 12:30pm – 3:30pm 📍Biggin Hall, Dover, CT16 1BD. ➡️ No booking required.

All ages 10–19 welcome, completely free. See you soon!
Full details and booking: futurefoundry.org.uk/dover-youth-festival/

_________________

Dover Youth Festival is a Future Foundry project supported by Arts Council England, Dover Town Council, Port of Dover Community Fund, Dover Community Association, Kent Community Foundation, Kent County Council's Health and Nature Fund run in partnership with over 30 organisations in and around Dover.

01/10/2026

We’re over the moon to announce that Dover in Bloom has won Best in Category, a Gold Award, and a Gold Biodiversity award at the RHS South and South East in Bloom Awards! 🏆🌿

While we celebrated similar wins last year, this moment marks a shift towards something even bigger. It’s not just about a trophy; it’s about cementing a long-term future where young people lead the way. Seeing their efforts in planting native species and caring for our unique landscapes recognised on a regional stage proves that local action creates lasting change.

A massive thank you to the RHS South and South East in Bloom team for visiting us this summer and for celebrating the collective effort of everyone who helped transform Dover. Your recognition means the world to our young changemakers and fuels our drive for years to come.

Want to see how young people are shaping our future? Head over to 🔗 https://futurefoundry.org.uk/dover-in-bloom/ [link in bio] Or get in touch: [email protected]
🐌
𝗗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗺 is produced by Future Foundry , working with 40+ partners, with essential support from Dover Town Council , Arts Council England , Dover District Council , Port of Dover & Kent Community Foundation. Follow for updates.

Photos courtesy of , , .wilson.photography

01/10/2026

We’re over the moon to announce that Dover in Bloom has won Best in Category, a Gold Award, and a Gold Biodiversity award at the RHS South and South East in Bloom Awards! 🏆🌿

While we celebrated similar wins last year, this moment marks a shift towards something even bigger. It’s not just about a trophy; it’s about cementing a long-term future where young people lead the way. Seeing their efforts in planting native species and caring for our unique landscapes recognised on a regional stage shows them that local action creates lasting change.

A massive thank you to the RHS South and South East in Bloom South & South East in Bloom team for visiting us this summer and for celebrating the collective effort of everyone who helped transform Dover. Your recognition means the world to our young change-makers and fuels our drive for years to come.

Want to see how young people are shaping our future? Head over to 🔗 https://futurefoundry.org.uk/dover-in-bloom/ [link in bio] Or get in touch: [email protected]
🐌
𝗗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗺 is produced by Future Foundry Future Foundry, working with 40+ partners, with essential support from Dover Town Council Destination Dover , Arts Council England , Dover District Council , Port of Dover Port of Dover & Kent Community Foundation & White Cliffs Countryside Partnership White Cliffs Countryside Partnership. Follow Dover In Bloom Dover in Bloom for updates.

Photos courtesy of The RHS, Future Foundry, matt wilson

30/09/2026

Dover Youth Festival is officially kicking off! 🌙✨ This week we’ve got two special Forge sessions all about the hidden world of moths and night-time magic.

Join us:
🦋 Friday night (2nd October) at Biggin Hall, 7-8.30pm:
Join us for The Forge: Moth & Fire Night. We’ll be exploring nocturnal wildlife, roasting marshmallows, and hanging out around the fire.
📍 Biggin Hall, Dover, CT16 1BD
➡️ Book your free space: https://bit.ly/DYF2026 or link in bio.

🦋Saturday morning (3rd October):
Come back to see what we discovered and turn those findings into art in The Forge: Moths & Making. Everyone is welcome. Even if you couldn’t make it to Friday’s session - come along anyway!
🕒 Ages 10–13: 9:30am – 11:30am 🕒 Ages 14–19: 12:30pm – 3:30pm
📍 Biggin Hall, Dover, CT16 1BD
➡️Free. No booking required.

All events are free and open to everyone ages 10-19. Let’s make something brilliant together.

Full details and booking: futurefoundry.org.uk/dover-youth-festival/

_________________

Dover Youth Festival is a Future Foundry project supported by Arts Council England, Dover Town Council, Port of Dover Community Fund, Dover Community Association, Kent Community Foundation, Kent County Council's Health and Nature Fund run in partnership with over 30 organisations in and around Dover.

29/09/2026

"Dover in Bloom shows how young people are transforming their community and celebrating the very best of their town.”

A lovely write up of Dover's youth-led green movement on RHS Britain in Bloom website. Read the full article here: https://www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/britain-in-bloom/young-people-growing-common-ground-in-dover
🌿

Dover in Bloom is led by Future Foundry, working with 40+ partners, with essential support from Dover Town Council, Arts Council England, Dover District Council, Port of Dover & Kent Community Foundation.

Photo courtesy of RHS - Royal Horticultural Society

24/09/2026

Dover Youth Festival is back, and this time we're taking over for a whole month! 🎉

2 October - 1 November 2026

DYF started with the voices of nearly 500 local students who told us what they wanted for Dover. Now it's your turn to make it happen. Try something new, share your bold ideas and help shape the town you live in.

No skills needed, we'll show you how. Materials and gear are all provided, and everything is FREE.

✨ Workshops: spaces are limited, so book your spot at the link below or in our bio.

☕ The Forge Youth Cafe: open every day over Half Term (24 Oct - 1 Nov), 10am - 5pm, for all 10-19 year olds. Free workshops, free materials and a free toast, cereal and waffle bar! No need to book, just drop in.
📍 Biggin Hall, Ladywell Car Park, Dover, CT16 1BD

Town-wide. Youth-powered. Everyone welcome.

Full details and booking: futurefoundry.org.uk/dover-youth-festival/

_________________

Dover Youth Festival is a Future Foundry project supported by Arts Council England, Dover Town Council, Port of Dover Community Fund & Dover Community Association, Kent Community Foundation, and Kent County Council's Health and Nature Fund run in partnership with over 30 organisations in and around Dover.

✍️ Poster designed by Laurence Crow , based on an original design by Charlie Tophill Charlie Tophill.
📷 Photos courtesy of Future Foundry and Matt Wilson matt wilson

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Biggin Hall
Dover
CT161BD

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https://linktr.ee/futurefoundry

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