The 2025 Festival Celebration

On 29th November, 450 guests arrived at the Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone, filled with anticipation for an evening dedicated to celebrating the remarkable achievements of the East Kent Freemasons 2025 Festival. The significance of the night was widely felt, as it marked the culmination of a journey that had spanned over six and a half years. The Festival for the Province of East Kent was originally launched in April 2019, with the ambitious objective of raising £3,500,000 in support of the Masonic Charitable Foundation.

From the outset, it was clear that meeting this goal would be no small feat. But, no one could have foreseen the considerable challenges that would arise, including the global Covid pandemic, conflict in Eastern Europe, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Despite these obstacles, the determination and collective spirit of all involved ensured the Festival continued to thrive, leading to this moment of celebration and achievement.

But, as the 2025 Festival Chairman, Worshipful Brother Mark Bassent, said, “The Festival has always been about more than financial targets. It is about demonstrating, through our collective effort, the enduring strength of Masonic charity and the real difference it makes to those in need”.  Indeed, with the money raised going to the Masonic Charitable Foundation it directly helps vulnerable and disadvantaged people to live happy, fulfilling lives and participate actively in society. This is through grants totalling around £5.5m to approximately 500 local and national charities, and partnerships with leading organisations. All of this magnificent work is fully funded entirely by Freemasons and their families, and in the past six months the Masonic Charitable Foundation has supported local charities and individuals in East Kent to the value of £317,000.

With all this in mind, the question to answer was to be: had the target been achieved?

From around 5.30pm, friends were reunited enjoying pre-dinner drinks and lively conversations before being guided by Worshipful Brother Chris Watson and the Provincial Stewards to make their way into the banqueting hall.

At approximately 6.30pm, the Provincial Director of Ceremonies, Graham Cuthbert, formally welcomed all guests and commenced the evening’s proceedings. He ensured that important announcements regarding comfort and safety were clearly communicated and, following this, Graham introduced the Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, Ravi Kumar-Sahnan, who, after a fitting introduction, announced the grand procession of distinguished guests.

The procession featured the 2025 Festival President and Provincial Grand Master for East Kent, Neil Hamilton Johnstone, accompanied by his wife, Margaret. Joining them were the Assistant Grand Master, Steven Varley, and his wife, Ruth, as well as the Deputy President of the Masonic Charitable Foundation, David Hudd, and his wife, Preety. Several other senior members of the Masonic Charitable Foundation were also in attendance. The Provincial Grand Master and his guests entered the banqueting hall to enthusiastic applause from all present, marking the beginning of an evening dedicated to honouring the achievements of the Festival.

Throughout dinner there was lively chatter as people reflected on both the challenges and great successes of the 2025 Festival fund raising activities. There was also ample time between courses for people to connect with friends on other tables before the time approached for the long-awaited announcement.

Following the completion of the meal, Worshipful Brother Tony Eldridge delivered the after-dinner grace and his words set a reflective and appreciative tone for the remainder of the evening. Worshipful Brother Eldridge then led the assembly in singing the national anthem, fostering a sense of unity and pride among the guests.

The Provincial Grand Master then proposed a formal toast to the King and His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent. This was respectfully followed by toasts honouring the distinguished guests in attendance.

Immediately after the toasts, everyone’s attention was captured by an awe-inspiring video, accompanied by stirring music, masterfully produced by Worshipful Brother Howard Griffin. The presentation vividly showcased the exemplary work undertaken by the Masonic Charitable Foundation, highlighting the breadth and impact of its charitable activities and the lives transformed by its support.

This set the scene for the Provincial Grand Master, Neil Hamilton Johnstone, to reflect on the remarkable efforts and achievements realised throughout the duration of the Festival. In his remarks, he paid tribute to the collective determination and resilience shown by all involved, particularly in the face of significant challenges of the global pandemic, conflict in eastern Europe, and economic uncertainty.

The Provincial Grand Master acknowledged the extraordinary commitment and determination of Freemasons and their families, whose fundraising activities and generosity ensured that the Festival not only overcame obstacles but also flourished. He highlighted the profound impact of these efforts, emphasising how the funds raised directly benefited vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals through the Masonic Charitable Foundation. His reflections underscored the enduring strength of Masonic charity and the meaningful difference made in communities across East Kent and beyond.

THE TOTAL IS ANNOUNCED

With anticipation building among the guests, the Provincial Grand Master delivered the eagerly awaited news: the fundraising target had not only been met, but surpassed.

To resounding applause and cheers from all present, it was announced that an impressive total of £3,673,582 had been raised for the Masonic Charitable Foundation. The Provincial Grand Master extended his heartfelt gratitude to the members and their families, recognising their invaluable contributions through fundraising events and generous donations that had ensured the festival’s tremendous success.

The Deputy President of the Masonic Charitable Foundation, David Hudd, took the opportunity to convey his heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the Festival. In his moving address, he acknowledged the exceptional dedication demonstrated by all participants, highlighting how their efforts had been instrumental in the success of the fundraising campaign.

Bringing the presentation to its conclusion, the President of the Festival and Provincial Grand Master, Neil Hamilton Johnstone, extended his sincere thanks to the members of the East Kent Province, with particular recognition for the Festival Team led by Worshipful Brother Mark Bassant and Worshipful Brother John Jones. He confirmed his delight in sharing the expectation that, with additional contributions yet to be received and accounted for, the total funds raised would reach an impressive £3.7 million.

Following these acknowledgements, Festival Chairman, Mark Bassant, invited the Provincial Stewards to present flowers to the ladies accompanying the Provincial Grand Master’s guests. The evening continued in high spirits and lively dancing to the music of an excellent band.

Looking back to April 2019, the initial goal of raising £3.5 million appeared optimistic and ambitious, particularly when the unprecedented challenge of the Covid pandemic emerged. Yet, true to form, the East Kent Freemasons rose to the occasion, surpassing expectations through their generosity and commitment to supporting the 2025 Festival by providing crucial assistance to vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our communities.

The 2025 Festival Celebration Brochure and the Province of East Kent, 2025 Festival Result Brochure.