Fish Fest Folkestone: Reeling in Success in East Kent

Following the remarkable success of the first Fish Fest program in Maidstone, the concept has now become popular in East Kent — and it’s clear that Fish Fest Folkestone was a success. PCSO Kirsty Greaves, who collaborated with Cast A Thought to create the pilot program and implement the subsequent ones, was present to hand over the Fish Fest Whip to PCSO James Powell of Folkestone Police, to carry on the excellent work.

This unique programme, designed to engage young people through angling, brought together a small but enthusiastic group of eight participants for a weekend of learning, fishing, and fun at the beautiful Coombewood Fishery.

Casting Off with Confidence

Before they ever dropped a line in the water, the young anglers attended three classroom sessions where they were introduced to basic fishing techniques and learned vital lifesaving skills, including CPR. These sessions laid the foundation for what turned out to be a powerful blend of personal development and outdoor activity.

A Weekend of Friendly Competition

The young people had been eagerly anticipating the two-day fishing sessions. The early departure from Folkestone and New Romney to High Halden didn't discourage any of them from the prospect of spending a day by the bank. On Day One, participants used a whip to target silverfish, honing their precision and technique. By Day Two, they were given the option to stick with the whip or upgrade to a feeder rod as they set their sights on both silvers and the elusive carp.

The sessions were structured as a friendly competition — sparking a healthy sense of challenge and friendship amongst the group. With whips and/or rods in hand and a supportive team behind them, the young people flourished.

Building More Than Just Fishing Skills

While learning to bait a hook and cast a line, participants also developed invaluable life skills. Decision making, problem solving, communication, and resilience were all naturally woven into the fabric of the experience. It was inspiring to see how quickly the young people engaged — not just with the fishing itself, but with the people guiding them.

Throughout the programme, they connected meaningfully with police officers, the Cast A Thought team, and the fishery manager — breaking down barriers and building trust.

Hook, Line, and Prizes!

The highlight of the weekend was the celebratory prize-giving ceremony. The top three competitors were honoured, alongside the anglers who landed the biggest carp and the largest bag of silverfish. The pride and sense of achievement in the group was evident, and well-earned.

Fish Fest stands as a shining example of how creative, hands-on programmes can empower young people, build community connections, and make a lasting impact. We’re thrilled with the success of this event and look forward to seeing how the ripple effect of this programme continues to spread across Kent and beyond.

Thank you to Alex at Coombewood Fishery for hosting this event. To find out more about the fishery visit Fishing | Coombewood Fishery | Accessible Fishing | High Halden | Ashford | Kent

Thank you to Angling Direct Ashford for supplying the prizes.