In the 1940s this building was a "bazaar" called Marks & Spencers. Then it became a Wilkinson and finally a Wilko. Fast-forward to 2025, Cairo and Nathan—it's us who run the space—took over the top floor, once occupied by overflow stock and god knows what. The Loft was born.

In autumn 2025, we launched the first of our secret cinema pop-up events. And we screened a horror! In hindsight, this was the best possible way to kick off an event where you're effectively in a room in the dark with no idea what's going to happen!

In winter 2025, we opened Ritual: a proper movement studio at The Loft offering yoga, Pilates, Sculpt, energetic workouts and ecstatic dance. We made it happen because we believe in celebrating movement, and because Kent deserves a studio like it.

After months of anticipation, we had the honour of hosting our first Folkestone's Music in May gig. The Loft turned into a music-filled haven for an unforgettable show with a series of stripped-back acoustic sets by some of our favourite local artists.

Where this goes from here, we're still working out. Likely more music, more events, and a more focused Ritual offering. Perhaps the Loft popping up elsewhere locally. Right now we're heads-down keeping the studio ready for whoever walks in next.