A MUSIC festival is being held on Hythe Pier today to help fund a major restoration project.

Rock the Pier has been organised by campaigners including Hythe Pier Heritage Association (HPHA), which is determined to restore the jetty to its former glory.

Local Indie band Pioneers will be joined on the pier by Trav Cats, Dodgy Jammers, Wired JD and Jarmin.

Buskers and performers will also perform on the end of the pier for ferry passengers and those enjoying homemade cakes in the HPHA pop-up café in the waiting room.

Younger supporters of the the pier can also join in the fun by turning up with their homemade instruments.

Musicians taking part will stage a walk down the pier at noon.

A music and movement session will take place at the end of the pier for members of pre-schools and children who go to primary schools in the area.

They can have a go at games such as Splat the Rat as well as having their face painted and riding on the pier’s historic train.

Rock the Pier will take place between 10.30am and 5pm with the support of Blue Funnel Ferries, which operate the passenger ferry between Hythe and Southampton.

Earlier this year HPHA unveiled plans to carry out a five-year repair project which could cost £2million.

The 137-year-old pier is owned by Blue Funnel, which saved the ferry service from closure when previous operator White Horse pulled out.

HPHA, working in conjunction with Blue Funnel, has taken on the task of raising enough money to refurbish the 700-yard structure.

Campaigners are planning to replace the track used by the train that takes ferry passengers up and down the pier, repair empty and dilapidated buildings at the end of the pier and improve the entrance.