2024 Waterside Arts Festival: Explore, Create, Enjoy

The Waterside Arts Festival has a rich history, with its origins tracing back to 1994. Inspired by the vibrant annual village festival in Mauves Sur Loire, the twin town of Hythe, a group of passionate locals decided to bring a similar celebration of community and creativity to their own town. Over the years, it has grown into the beloved event we celebrate today, drawing people from all walks of life to enjoy and participate in the arts.

This year’s Waterside Arts Festival will take place the 7th to the 14th September and the full programmehas finally been unveiled. With a diverse range of events, performances, and workshops spread across the week, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can look forward to:

*All the activities marked with an asterisk are bookable via their website waterside.org.uk/events

Saturday, 7th September

• 🎨 Cartoon Capers: Kick off the festival with international cartoonists creating live masterpieces in Hythe village centre from 9am to 4pm. Don’t miss the workshops and talks that offer a deeper dive into the world of cartooning.

• 🎭 Joli Vyann: Catch the dynamic street performance "Life's a Beach" at 12 noon and 2:30pm. It’s a special commission just for our festival!

• 🎸 Live Music: Enjoy an afternoon of live music from 1pm at the Dusty Barrel.

• 🤣 Talk Nerdy to Me: Laugh the evening away with Jon Matthews' comedy stand-up show at 7:30pm in Hythe Parish Hall.*

Sunday, 8th September

• 🥚 The Great Egg Race: Bring the whole family for a fun challenge to design and build an egg-protecting vehicle at 11am, followed by a community picnic at Gang Warily Recreation Centre.

• 👟 History Walk: Explore Hythe’s rich history with Sarah Marsden at 11am.*

• 🥁 Drumming Workshop: Make some noise with Mike Vaughan at 2:30pm in Fawley Jubilee Hall.*

• 🎬 La Chimera: Wrap up the day with a screening of the acclaimed Italian comedy film starring Josh O'Connor at 7:30pm.*

Monday, 9th September

• 🧶 Crochet Workshop: Learn to make a simple granny square with Alysa at 1pm in Dibden Purlieu Community Hall.*

• 🎨 Abstract Acrylics Workshop: Get creative with Carolyne and paint your own masterpiece at 3pm.*

• 🪢 Macrame Workshop: Discover the art of macrame with Tracy at 7:15pm in Hythe Community Centre.*

Tuesday, 10th September

• 🐦 Bird Box and Lathe Turning Demo: Visit Hythe Shed at 11am to see what they have to offer.

• 🎭 Act Your Age: Have a blast with the professionals from Forest Forge Theatre Company at 10am (venue TBC).*

• 📖 Poetry Sharing: Join us at 5:30pm at Black Wax Coffee and Records to share or enjoy poetry.

• 🏆 Quiz Night: Test your knowledge at the first-ever Waterside Arts quiz at 7:30pm in The Glen.

Wednesday, 11th September

• 🪡 Tote Bag Workshop: Create a tote bag using recycled materials with Natalie at 10am in Hythe Sea Scout Hut.*

• 🎨 Ceramic Tile/Coaster Painting: Get crafty at 1:30pm in Blackfield QE2 Hall.*

• 👟 Another History Walk: Another chance to learn about Hythe’s history with Sarah Marsden at 11am.*

• 👨‍🎨 Creative Café: Enjoy a special festival edition of this regular event with Martin at 6pm in Meeple Village.*

• 🌺 Clay Poppy Workshop: Create beautiful clay poppies with Julie at 7:15pm in Hythe Community Centre.*

Thursday, 12th September

• 🪢 Macrame Plant Holder Workshop: Learn to make a macrame plant holder with Tracy at 10am in Blackfield QE2 Hall.*

• 🌉 Creative Printing with Lino: Discover the basics of lino carving and printing with Kate at 1pm in Marchwood Village Hall.*

• 🧵 Weave a Wall Hanging: Craft a beautiful wall hanging using natural materials at 3:30pm in Marchwood Village Hall.*

• 🎼 Cabin Crew Performance: Enjoy traditional barbershop singing at 6pm in Meeple Village.

• 🎨 Cartooning for Adults: Get creative with local artist Simon Chadwick at 7pm in Vibrant Forest Brewery.*

Friday, 13th September

• 🌳 Creative Roots: Immerse yourself in nature-inspired creative activities at Lepe Country Park.

• 🍂 Autumn Rag Wreath Making: Craft a lovely autumn wreath with the Waterside Scrapstore team at 2pm in Sunnyfield’s Farm, Jacobs Gutter Lane.*

• 👨‍🎤 The Big Sing: Join Dan Cooper for a singing workshop at 7:30pm in Hythe Parish Hall.*

Saturday, 14th September

• 🌉 Creative Printing with Lino: Another chance to try your hand at lino printing at 10:30am in Dibden Purlieu Community Hall.*

• 🧵 Weaving Workshop: Create a unique woven piece with Bridget at 1pm in Dibden Purlieu Community Hall.*

• 🍂 Another Autumn Rag Wreath Workshop: Another opportunity to make an autumn wreath at 2pm in Sunnyfield’s Farm.*

• 🎤 Family-Friendly Music: Enjoy an afternoon of music featuring a diverse lineup from 1pm at The Forest Home.

• 🎹 More Music: The evening continues with performances by The Sturmey Archers, Interesting Wallpaper, and The Postmen from 5pm at Vibrant Forest Brewery.

Throughout the Week

Don’t miss the postcard gallery showcasing "Wildlife of the Waterside" at Hythe Library and the cartoon gallery in the shop windows of Hythe.

All workshops are beginner-friendly, and many events require booking in advance via our website. Visit Waterside Arts to secure your spot.

We can’t wait to see you at the festival and share in this celebration of creativity and community! What are you most looking forward to?