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Town all set for annual celebration of all things Gallic

The red, white and blue bunting is ready and waiting for this year’s Sandwich Goes French for Le Weekend event.

Building on its success in recent years, Le Weekend promises another packed programme when it takes place throughout the town on Saturday and Sunday.

The traditional French Normandy market will be on the Guildhall Forecourt both days, offering its range of authentic food and goods.

Le Weekend would not be as French without The Can Can
Le Weekend would not be as French without The Can Can

Organiser Steve Laslett said: “There will be Breton and French barn dancing in No Name Street and French musicians playing on the stage in Market Street on both days.

“They include new performers from France who will travel especially for Le Weekend – RetroPaname, and Ramsgate-based French duo Le Tropez.

“Our own French-style Gypskazz will also play on Sunday, as will the fabulous Thomas Abrahams. It’s quite a line-up!”

Le Weekend logo
Le Weekend logo

The ever popular street dancing, including the can-can, will take place both days with performances from Phoenix Performing Arts from Canterbury on Saturday and Deal Academy of Performing Arts on Sunday.

Another well-loved part of Le Weekend is the medieval encampment on the Quay Green.

Re-enactors will spend the weekend there. English medieval players include the Free Men of the Blean and the Company of Strangers from Canterbury. Sandwich’s own Middle Age Spread and Rough Musycke will complete the line-up.

Now in its eighth year, the cycle sportif event Le Tour de Sandwich sets off at 9am on Sunday morning. About 500 cyclists are expected to pack into the town centre for the start of the ride before taking on 50k, 75k or 100k of East Kent countryside.

Sandwich goes French for Le Weekend, this weekend in Sandwich
Sandwich goes French for Le Weekend, this weekend in Sandwich

Le Tour is organised by Le Weekend, with support from Locks of Sandwich Cycles.

Mr Laslett added: “Last year’s event was well enough supported to allow us to donate £2,000 to the Sandwich Freedom Leisure Centre community sports fund.

“We hope to be able to do something similar this year.”

Cow Leas meadow will be open for free car parking both days.

Click here for more details.

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