Happy music lovers enjoying ‘tremendous vibe’ as Hi Fest extravaganza brings festival atmosphere to Hayling Island
HAYLING Island is enjoying a festival atmosphere as event organisers host a weekend of musical celebration.
Music lovers are experiencing live performances as the three-day, multi-venue extravaganza Hi Fest kicked off on Friday.
More than 70 acts are performing a wide range of music over the weekend, from ska choirs to skiffle orchestras and shanty singing, barbershop and blues, hard rock and rock and roll.
Kevin Swinburn, event organiser and Hayling resident, said: ‘The sun’s shining and crowds are filling up. All the sound equipment works, which is good.
‘We had the mayoress officially open the festival at 12 on Saturday at the West Town Inn, which went well.’
Festival organisers are working with and in support of the Hayling Lions.
Nikki Shepherd, a committee member for the Hayling Lions, said: ‘‘The forecast was a bit poor, but here we are - we’ve got pub gardens full of people who are happy and smiling in a Covid-safe environment, publicans who are serving lots of customers, performers who are kindly donating their time for a Hayling celebration.
‘We are very blessed. There’s a tremendous vibe, it’s a real seaside festival.’
Hayling residents and festival visitors are currently being welcomed at seven venues hosting festival events across the island, with performances at The Lifeboat Inn, The Olive Leaf, The Hayling Billy, The West Town, Ralphs Wine Bar, Pebble Beach Cafe, and Virdees Ice Cream.
SEE ALSO: Wemfest announces its return
Nikki added: ‘The Lions are completely self-funding, and we are unique as we are the only organisation where every single penny goes towards doing good.
‘We focus on supporting and serving our community. Our commitment as the Lions is that all the money we raise on Hayling does good on Hayling.
‘One of the things we do is put on events like this to do something nice for local people. Kevin was kind enough to want to support us and involve us in the festival - without his hard work and the work of his team, this wouldn’t be happening.
‘The venues are also supporting us by giving us a donation, meaning that we can raise funds to do more good in the community.’