A century-old famous painting depicting the landing of 16,000 refugees in Kent will be re-imagined this weekend.

Families, friends, children and visitors are invited to join together in Folkestone to re-create 1914 artwork 'The Landing of the Belgian Refugees'.

The oil painting shows boats arriving in the town's harbour carrying people fleeing Belgium during the start of First World War, having crossed the Channel in any vessel they could find.

On just one day in October 1914, some 16,000 people of all ages arrived in Folkestone.

The painting is by an Italian artist, Fredo Franzoni, who himself came as a refugee in one of the boats.

And they were welcomed with such kindness that King Albert of Belgium, who reigned from 1909 to 1934, said: "Folkestone had earned the admiration not only of the Belgians, but also of the whole world: yes, the whole civilised world knew how the town of Folkestone had received them with such cordiality which would never be forgotten."

The work was gifted to Folkestone in 1916 and is currently on display at Folkestone Museum, in the town hall in Guildhall Street.

The re-enactment has been organised by arts organisation Folkestone Fringe and artist and photographer Manuel Vason, who are hoping as many people as possible will attend the Harbour Arm on Sunday to take part.

TV producer Audrey Green Oakes, one of the organisers of the event with Folkestone Fringe, said: "The Landing of the Belgian Refugees’ painting commemorates a significant time in Folkestone’s history when its people were know across the world for the welcome they’d given at least 100,000 Belgians arriving by boat to escape the horrors of First World War.

"But Folkestone has always been a welcoming place.

"Any of us who were not born here but call Folkestone home, already know that.

"And in all our families’ histories we’ll have heard stories of people moving from one place to another for work, or love, or to get

away from something.

"We’ve all come from somewhere, at some point."

In the painting people are wearing a mixture of ceremonial robes, uniforms and normal clothes, or they’re dressed for a long, cold Channel crossing.

Attendees, who should arrived at 1pm for a 1.30pm photo call, can come dressed as they like.

This is not the first event organised at the harbour to re-imagine iconic art.

Earlier this year 250 Kate Bush fans came together to re-create the music video for her 1978 song Wuthering Heights.

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone

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