Hythe’s Scarecrow Festival

Get ready for a fantastic day of family-friendly entertainment as Hythe’s Scarecrow Festival returns to Hythe’s Promenade on Saturday 12th September 2026! Sponsored by Waterside Mortgages and organised by Hythe Alive in support of the Fire Fighters Charity, this community celebration brings together local residents, businesses, and visitors for scarecrow award presentations, a fun Dog Show sponsored by Marley’s Grooming Studio, interactive climbing walls, fire engines, arts and crafts, delicious food and drink stalls, and the grand return of the Hythe Bake Off competition.

Event Schedule & Timetable

Operating hours and schedule for Hythe’s Scarecrow Festival at Hythe Promenade:

• Event Date: Saturday 12th September 2026.
• Bake Off Drop-off Window: 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM BST at Hythe Promenade.
• Bake Off Judging & Results: Announced before 11:00 AM BST.
• Fun Dog Show Starts: 11:00 AM BST at Hythe Promenade.
• Festival Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM BST.
• Venue Location: Hythe Promenade, Hythe, Southampton (SO45 6AW).

The Hythe Dog Show

Details for the fun Dog Show hosted as part of the festival and sponsored by Marley’s Grooming Studio:

• Event Start: Saturday 12th September 2026 at 11:00 AM BST on Hythe’s Promenade.
• Entry Requirements: Complete details in the application form by 5:00 PM on Thursday 10th September 2026. Entries automatically close once 10 entries are received per category.
• Prizes: Great prizes up for grabs across all categories.
• Dog Show Categories:
  • Prettiest Girl Dog
  • Handsome Boy Dog
  • Best Dog Trick
  • Best Dressed Dog
  • Dog the Judge Would Most Like to Take Home

The Hythe Bake Off Competition

Details for the returning community baking competition sponsored and judged by Millie’s Tearooms:

• Cost to Enter: FREE entry with fantastic prizes to be won.
• Entry Deadline: 5:00 PM BST, Thursday 10th September 2026 (Online entry via Google Forms).
• Bake Drop-off: 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM BST on Saturday 12th September 2026 at Hythe Promenade.
• Bake Off Categories:
  • Best Children’s Whole Cake
  • Best Children’s Traybake/Cookies
  • Best Adult Whole Cake
  • Best Adult Traybake/Cookies
• Star Bakes: Winning entries will be proudly marked as official “STAR BAKES” for everyone to admire.

Scarecrow Competition & Categories

The festival will announce winners and present prizes between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM across multiple award categories sponsored by local businesses:

• Public Vote
• Best Children’s Entry (under 12 years)
• Best Scarecrow by a Resident
• Best Scarecrow by a Business
• Funniest Scarecrow
• Best Dressed Scarecrow
• Best Literary Scarecrow
• Best Animal Scarecrow
• Best Scarecrow Made by a Community Group (pre-schools, schools, Brownies, Scouts, adult day care centres, etc.)

Attractions & Festival Activities

Things to see and do along Hythe’s Waterfront Promenade:

• Fire Engine Display: Get up close with a real fire engine, supported by the Fire Fighters Charity.
• Interactive Climbing Wall: Adventure wall activity suitable for children and families.
• Arts & Crafts Stalls: Creative family workshops, craft activities, and local artisan stalls.
• Food & Drink Vendors: Stalls serving hot food, refreshments, sweet treats, and local drinks throughout the day.

Venue Amenities & Facilities

Facilities available around Hythe Promenade:

• Promenade Setting: Paved, picturesque waterfront walkway along the Solent with views across to Southampton Water.
• Public Toilets: Located near the promenade and within Hythe town center.
• Local Shops & Cafés: Hythe high street sits immediately adjacent to the promenade, offering tearooms, bakeries, pubs, and independent retail.

Accessibility Information

Access details for visitors to Hythe Promenade:

• Step-Free Routes: The promenade is flat and fully paved, offering easy access for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters.
• Accessible Parking: Designated Blue Badge parking spaces are available in nearby council car parks across Hythe village center.

How to Get to Hythe Promenade

Travel options for reaching Hythe (SO45 6AW):

• By Ferry: Take the famous Hythe Ferry from Town Quay, Southampton directly to Hythe Pier, which steps out right onto the promenade area.
• By Bus: Bluestar 8 and Bluestar 9 run frequently between Southampton City Centre and Hythe Bus Station (located a 2-minute walk from the promenade).
• By Car: Accessible via the A326 from the M27 (Junction 2), following signs for Hythe town center.

Parking Information

Parking options in Hythe:

• Short & Long Stay Car Parks: St John’s Street Car Park, New Road Car Park, and Jones Lane Car Park are all within a 2 to 5-minute walk of the promenade.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Hythe’s Scarecrow Festival taking place?

The festival takes place on Saturday 12th September 2026, running from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM BST. Bake Off drop-off takes place between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM, and the Dog Show begins at 11:00 AM BST.

Where is the event located?

The festival is hosted along Hythe’s Waterfront Promenade in Hythe, Southampton, Hampshire (SO45 6AW).

Is there an entry fee to attend the festival?

No, entry to the festival grounds is completely free for all visitors, and entering the Hythe Bake Off competition is also free of charge.

How do I enter the Hythe Dog Show?

Dog Show entries must be submitted using the application form by 5:00 PM on Thursday 10th September 2026. Categories are capped at 10 entries each, so early application is recommended.

How do I enter the Hythe Bake Off?

You can enter online via Google Forms by 5:00 PM on Thursday 10th September 2026. Bakes must be dropped off between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on Saturday 12th September at Hythe Promenade.

Is parking available near Hythe Promenade?

Yes, several council pay-and-display car parks are available within a 2 to 5-minute walk, including St John’s Street Car Park, New Road Car Park, and Jones Lane Car Park.