A First World War show, major parades, rock bands and a charity raft race are all part of the packed programme for this year’s Hythe Festival.

Even the controversial subject of fracking will be covered in a talk organised by the environment group Transition Hythe.

The festival happens every two years and the fun this time starts next Friday and has the finale of in the Great Hythe Raft Race on July 6.

FHODS (Folkestone-Hythe Operatic and Dramatic Society) are performing Pack Up Your Troubles at the Tower Theatre at Shorncliffe from the eve of the Festival next Thursday, at 7,30pm, until Saturday, June 28 and then again from July 3 and 5.

It will feature songs, poems and sketches telling of Shepway’s involvement in the conflict.
A parade takes place on the first full day of the Festival, Saturday June 28, from 10am from the Town Hall.

On Monday, June 30, Prof Chris Rhodes will give a talk called Why Bother With Fracking? at the Tin Tabernacle in Stade Street.

Guided walks around Hythe begin every day from June 30 until July 5 and a flameco open day will be held at the Methodist Church Hall on July 1.

On July 2 a grand concert takes place at the Royal Miliitary Canal bank, with fireworks and Hythe Civic Society will also give a talk about the First World War centenary.

A Festival Ball will be held at the Mercure Hythe Imperial Hotel and Spa on July 4 and bands will play at a Pop in the Park the following evening at Oaklands Park.

A Hythe Armed Forces Day parade will take place in the High Street on July 5.

The Great Hythe Raft Race is to raise at least £15,000 for the Ashford William Harvey Hospital’s Padua children’s ward.

It is expected to attract some 5,000 to 7,000 spectators.

The first race is scheduled to start at 12.30pm. Heats will continue throughout the afternoon, culminating in the Grand Final at approximately 3pm. Car parking is available on Hythe Green from 11am till 5pm.

Spaces for participants have fast filled up and to check if any are left visit www.greathytheraftrace.co.uk.

For information in general about the festival visit www.hythefestival.co.uk.