Gold rush! Here's why you'll want to get to Folkestone, pronto

A German artist has sparked an unlikely gold rush by burying thousands of pounds worth of the precious metal on a Kent beach as part of an arts festival.

Yep. It’s time to grab the bucket and spade as Berlin-based Michael Sailstorfer has hidden 30 bars of 24-carat gold, worth £10,000, under the sand of the Outer Harbour beach in Folkestone as part of the town’s triennial. Who said digging up the beach was just for children (Steve Parsons/PA)

Fortune hunters are being encouraged to search the beach after low tide from 4pm and – this is the best bit – will be able to keep any gold they find.

The project, called Folkestone Digs, is part of the town’s triennial which happens every three years and has previously included work by artists including Tracey Emin, Jeremy Deller and Martin Creed.

Artists including Yoko One are taking part in this year’s festival which runs from August 30 to November 2.