Hi Fest to bring summer fun to Hayling Island as three day music event is set to make a return this July

A MUSIC festival is set to make a return to Hayling Island this summer.

Hi Fest is expected to take place from July 23 to 25 this year, raising funds for the Hayling Island Lions Club.

More than 70 acts are expected to perform a range of music from ska choirs to skiffle orchestras and shanty singing, barbershop and blues, hard rock and rock and roll.

The festival will showcase a variety of talent from performers both local and further afield.

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Kevin Swinburn, event organiser, said: ‘We’re basically hoping for the best and preparing for the worst - we’ll be cautiously, carefully proceeding with plans.

‘Performances will be outside wherever possible, and we aim to keep virus contingencies up to the max.

‘Hopefully there will be much good news between now and the festival.’

The festival will take place at The Lifeboat Inn, The Olive Leaf, The Hayling Billy, The West Town, Ralphs Wine Bar, Pebble Beach Cafe, and Virdees Ice Cream.

Kevin, a resident of Hayling Island, added: ‘There will be something for everyone at the event – heavy metal, reggae, shanty signers, a ska choir, barber shop.

‘We’ve been overwhelmed by demand and we’re set to have 70 acts perform over the festival.

‘It will be a friendly and fun seaside festival.’

Stages will be outside and Covid procedures will be followed.

Entry is free.

Find out more by visiting the website at hi-fest.uk.

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