In 1994, a group of people got together in Hythe, in the New Forest to stage a music and arts Festival. Over a weekend in July there were about 5 events, including a small open-air concert.

Over the following 11 years, things grew from this to one week and then to two weeks, with events all along the Waterside Parishes of the New Forest (Marchwood, Hythe and Fawley).

The organisation become known as Waterside Arts and several years ago became a registered charity.

It is non-profit making and aims to cover the cost of the Festival from grants and sponsorship.

Ticket prices are kept as low as possible and many events are free. Last year over 500 artists took part in almost 50 events in 25 different venues.

So on to 2005 and the 12th Waterside Arts Summer Festival from July 2nd to 16th. Events range from Choirs and Orchestras, through Jazz and Folk to Rock.

Many events are now finalised, but plenty more to come. The opening concert at Gang Warily, Blackfield on July 2nd will feature a Rolling Stones Tribute Band.

After two weeks of music in Pubs, Churches and Halls, the focus moves to Hythe and final weekend has something for everyone.

On the evening of Friday 15th a free open-air concert features popular local group ‘The Score’. During the spring youngsters will be taking part in a ‘Battle of the Bands’, the prize for the best two being able to feature as support groups on the main stage.

Saturday 16th sees part of Hythe closed to traffic for over 6 hours of free open air entertainment – clowns, puppets and dancers to name but a few. In the evening the focus is on the main stage, again in New Road Car Park.

Last year over 2000 people attended the free open-air closing concert. This year the audience is likely to be bigger as the headline group will be The Silver Beatles – one of the best know tribute bands.