ONE of the aspects of the Triennial which delights curator Andrea Schlieker is that it has opened up or turned attention to places previously inaccessible, even to Folkestone people.

From the Martello Tower at the far western end of The Leas, to shops in Sandgate Road, to the rafters of St Mary and St Eanswythe's Church in the Bayle, the works of art can be found throughout the town, sometimes in the most unexpected venues.

Although the title of this year's festival is A Million Miles From Home, the Creative Foundation is also keen to emphasise that, for Folkestone people, the Triennial is about their own home – not only to provide a "shot in the arm" but to encourage residents to enjoy it.

The three-month exhibition officially opened to the public this weekend, marked by events including the turning on of the fountain in the harbour area, a show of fireworks – and a visit from a giant whale.

Foundation spokesman Peter Bettley said: "The opening was overwhelming.

"We were delighted by the way people in the town were getting behind it. The whole town was buzzing. It was just fantastic to see Folkestone enjoying itself."

A key point about all the installations is the relevance of their locations.

Cristina Iglesias's Towards The Sound of Wilderness, a mirrored gateway, is hidden in dense shrubbery, accessed by a tiny path. And, of course, the view is that of a Martello tower so covered in climbing plants, many people might not previously have realised its presence.

Hew Locke's For Those In Peril On The Sea, a collection of brightly-decorated model and collage ships, hangs above the pews and pulpit in St Mary and St Eanswythe. Such models, symbols of gratitude for protection at sea, are not only common in European port-town churches, they also draw the eye to the workmanship in the upper reaches of the church.

Mr Bettley said: "Part of the Triennial's charm is that it was designed to encourage people in Folkestone to take a fresh look at places in their own town, that they might not have seen before.

"When we held a preview for local people a lot of them stayed for evensong in the church, which we hope more will do – it's all about seeing the works where they are, to get the atmosphere.

"We've got a lot to do during the next three months but from the support we've had and the reaction so far, the Triennial seems to have provided a real shot in the arm for Folkestone, which is what it was designed for. It makes the three years of hard work worthwhile."

The Triennial launch had a positive knock-on for the traders in Rendezvous Street. Visitors passing through to St Eanswythe's church spent heavily.

Googies art cafe Keith Holland reported his best day's trading while Johnny Cotter's gallery did "unbelievable" trade.