Hythe Festival plans in place despite economic climate

PLANS for the tenth Hythe Festival are well under way despite the economic climate, an achievement organisers say is a credit to the town.

Committee member Mike Umbers said he was "astonished" at the generosity of sponsors, who have helped to ensure the majority of events on offer will remain free. Music, drama, displays and parades will be among the attractions at a variety of locations between Saturday, June 30, and Sunday, July 8 – and the Herald will be there too.

Mr Umbers said: "We're all over the moon.

"We expected it to be very difficult to raise the money this time but people have been marvellous, it's astonishing.

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"I think, by now, people know it's coming and we don't have to pitch the idea to them, they've been very generous and everyone's been getting on board."

The festival, held in alternate years to the Venetian Fete, will start in traditional fashion, with the Big Parade along the High Street on the first Saturday, followed by the Free For All on The Green that afternoon, when there will be rides, displays – with staff from the Herald among the stallholders – and the Hythe Bay Primary fete.

Mr Umbers said: "Those are the biggest events that I think everyone looks forward to the most. Everyone you care to name marches down the High Street in the parade, with lots of music. It's really exciting and the road's always full.

Other major events include the concert on the banks of the Royal Military Canal on July 4, a ball at the Hythe Imperial, "music galore", celebrations of Armed Forces Day and a tour of the Grand Redoubt.

Mr Umbers said: "It's going to be well up to scratch this year and, considering the economy, I think the town should be congratulated for making it happen against the odds."

For more information, visit www.hythe-festival.com