Artist Yoko Ono is hoping to visit Folkestone next month to pay her respects at a new war memorial in Folkestone, it has been revealed today.

The planned visit was announced as her work goes on show as part of the town Triennial arts festival.

The widow of Beatle John Lennon is among the artists showing work around the town for the festival, which officially opens on Saturday and runs until November.

During a press preview today, festival curator Lewis Biggs said the artist hoped to come to the town at the end of September and visit the Step Short memorial arch.

The arch was opened by Prince Harry earlier this month to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

Ono is creating two new exclusive works for Folkestone. Margate’s Tracey Emin will be in town on Saturday as the launch day coincides with the arts extravaganza the Vauxhall Art Car Boot Fair at the harbour.

She will be joined by comedian and Ashford resident Vic Reeves who will be attending to personally sell prints from as well as pottery and paintings.

Dozens of other artists selling works from the back of new and classic Vauxhall cars and vans.

Saturday will also see the opening of the revamped Payers Park which is hoped will link the town centre with the Old High Street, Tontine Street and Grace Hill.

It has been commissioned for the Triennial and features new planting, seating, walkways, play area, outdoor classroom and gym with 24 parking spaces also part of the plan.

The £1.5million redevelopment has been funded through Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, Kent County Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The opening and official Triennial launch will take place in the park at 10am on Saturday with a live music event later in the afternoon at 5.30pm.