"The opening Saturday of the Festival in Hythe could have been a complete washout, considering the awful weather, but, thanks to the determination of organisers and performers alike, everything that had been planned, actually happened - somewhere !!

"Southampton Grad Band played under a gazebo on the Prom, to a diminished but appreciative audience, some of whom also enjoyed a taster drawing session with Art Tutor, John, whilst listening.

"The Hythe School choir raised a smile or two with their rendition of "Raindrops Keep Falling On My head", amongst other pieces.

"Some of the dancers had to re-locate to the Community Centre, and the Churches Event went ahead in the Parish Hall, but other brave souls, such as the Jester,  the Morris Sides,  the Baton twirlers, and children's entertainers, braved the elements, and put on some grand displays for their audiences.

"And on Sunday afternoon, despite a very unpromising weather forecast, New Forest Brass was able to play in the open air on the Prom, in front of quite a large audience.  There was, as they say, a very brisk and playful breeze, but we were entertained by this group of excellent local musicians for an hour and a half, without a single drop of rain falling.

"Please come along and enjoy the rest of what the festival has to offer over the next 2 weeks - we look forward very much to welcoming you."