Hythe: 'Brave decision' to stage Rock the Pier pays off

Despite the wind and rain this year's Rock the Pier celebration at Hythe has raised £9,600, making it even more successful than the 2022 event.

Staged by Hythe Pier Heritage Association (HPHA), Rock the Pier took place on one of the stormiest days of the year.

But buildings behind the stage helped shield the event from the worst of the gusts - and rain was confined to a few showers.

This year's Rock the Pier event raised more than £9,000 towards pier renovation work (Image: Alan Titheridge)

HPHA spokesman Alan Titheridge said: "The association took the brave decision to go ahead, whilst high winds and potential rain took its toll on numerous other events around the region.

"Rock the Pier was very well attended and received by the community."

READ MORE: Blue Funnel says talks aimed at saving the Hythe Ferry are 'progressing'

The event began when Trav Cats appeared on a specially-built stage on the promenade behind the Lord Nelson pub.

They were followed by Johnson Van Dykes, Vision, REMbrandt and Stone Branches. The Soulcatchers will rounded off the day with an hour-long gig starting at 6.30pm. Rock the Pier was compered by Byron Witchell, aided by The Voice finalist Rozzy Turner.

Now HPHA is turning its attention to the group's Heritage Day event on September 16.

Part of the large crowd that attended this year's Rock the Pier music festival at Hythe (Image: Alan Titheridge)

The annual celebration aims to showcase the Victorian pier, the 100-year-old electric train that takes passengers to and from the Hythe Ferry, and the renovation work carried out by the Association.

This year's event will include the New Forest Brass Band, magician Roger Lapin, and cartoonist Simon Chadwick.

READ MORE: Hythe Ferry honours woman thought to be its longest-serving passenger

Videos about the history of the ferry and the train will be screened at various locations. Volunteers who help renovate the carriages and locomotives will be on hand to talk about the work.

Sarah Marsden will stage two Hythe history walks, bookable on the day.

Money raised by the annual Rock the Pier event goes towards the cost of repairing the Victorian structure (Image: Newsquest.)

Members of Waterside Heritage, based at Hythe's former railway station, will explain how the organisation is documenting the history of the Waterside area.

Train rides along the pier will be free, courtesy of Blue Funnel Ferries.

Other attractions will include the original ship's wheel from the former ferry Hotspur III, a heritage bus, an army vehicle, and the chance to recreate images on saucy seaside postcards.

The 142-year-old pier has been awarded listed building status in a move that could help HPHA secure vital funds.

Last year's Rock the Pier raised £8,500 - an increase of £1,000 on the 2021 figure.