Hythe Venetian Fete

17th August 2022

For the first time in many years the Hythe Venetian fete sadly had to be postponed, from the planned date in 2021, due to the government Covid restrictions. However, the great news is that planning is already underway for a Venetian fete to be held next year on the Royal Military canal in Hythe. Gates will open on Wednesday 17th August 2022, at 4pm.

This fete, which was first held in 1890, has continued to be enjoyed by thousands of spectators watching some 30 decorated and illuminated floats parading along Military canal between Twiss Road and Ladies Walk Bridge at dusk and in the evening.

The parade is accompanied by bands and musicians (who are also on floats) and there is a spectacular firework display as night falls. There are five hours of spectacle and entertainment, with food and refreshment stalls available, plus a fun fair on the canal bank.

If you have ever thought about taking part in the fete and entering your own float, then 2022 could be the year that you do it! Entries are accepted on a first come first served basis from January 1st and are open until all spaces are filled. There is then a reserve list in case an entry withdraws.

Entries are welcome from everybody, there are classes to accommodate private entries, clubs, associations, and companies. If you have not entered before you will be asked to pay a small returnable deposit; and if your entry is not commercial, then in most cases a small grant toward building your float display is paid after you have competed. You will be provided with the float and base and then it is up to you to come up with a theme and build your float display ready for both the day-time parade and the night-time illuminated parade. Entry forms will be made available and downloaded from http://www.hythe-venetianfete.com and should be emailed once completed to chairman@hythevenetioanfete.co.uk or hand delivered to c/o Collier Stevens, 1st Floor, The Old Auction Rooms, Marine Walk Street, Hythe CT21 5NW. There are other ways to get involved too. The fete requires about 200 volunteers for the event, for example to act as stewards, sell programmes, and to help where required. The fete committee is always so very grateful to the volunteers who help, so if you would like to be a volunteer, please contact the email address above and let us know. Ticket sales for general entry will start online on May 1st.