Dover At Night (Louise Webb)
Find out more at Artswork.org.uk
Dover at Night is an annual youth-led festival transforming the town centre into a trail of art, performance, heritage and creative activity after dark. Developed by Artswork and Dover’s Maison Dieu, with Louise Webb as Artswork’s Placemaking Creative Producer for Kent, the free event invites residents to encounter familiar buildings and public spaces in new ways.
Launched in 2024 with more than 30 activities across 12 venues, the festival brought together over 20 community partners and showcased work by more than 1,500 local schoolchildren. Its programme combined digital projections, music, dance, theatre, storytelling, crafts and heritage activities throughout Dover.
Young people play a central role in shaping the festival. Their ideas inform its themes, commissions and atmosphere, while collaborations with professional artists offer opportunities to develop creative skills and see their work presented publicly. The festival grew to attract 5,000 visitors in 2025 and welcomed 5,468 people to more than 40 free activities across 14 venues in 2026.
Dover at Night demonstrates how ambitious participatory arts can celebrate local history, amplify young people’s voices and bring different generations together. By illuminating the town’s heritage and creative spaces, it encourages residents to explore Dover with renewed curiosity, pride and imagination.
