MORE than 3,000 people visited Brockenhurst over the weekend for the college’s biggest ever summer event. 

BrockFest 2024 returned on Saturday, June 1 and brought together a wide range of attractions including fairground rides and live music. 

Organisers say throughout the day a “steady flow of visitors” stepped onto the college field to eat, drink, chat, browse and enjoy the sunshine, with temperatures peaking at 23C. 

There were also food and drink vendors as well as artisans and charities stalls at the popular New Forest event. 

Among the most popular attractions was a Brockenhurst-based fire engine, presented and explained by representatives of Hampshire Fire and Rescue. 

Also popular was Jiggy Wrigglers – an organisation providing musical and other sensory experiences to babies and toddlers. 

New Forest Rock Choir took centre stage during the afternoon, belting out rock ‘n’ roll classics. 

Live music was also provided by Brock students Dee Jay GG and solo singer and guitarist Alex Marshall.  

Raffle prizes included a Southampton Football Club pennant, signed by the promotion-winning first team that set a new club unbeaten record earlier in the season. 

And Brock’s newest marketing asset, TECH:TRUCK, which is shared by several colleges in the south, was on site to promote courses and careers in the maritime, digital and net-zero sectors. 

Rebekah Donawa, head of marketing and communications at the college, said afterwards: “Today has been extraordinary – so many people, so much fun, and good weather too. 

“I want to thank all the vendors, student ambassadors, stall holders, traders, charities and performers who made today special, and particularly New Forest District Council for sponsoring.” 

Brockenhurst College provides a higher education programme, skills and training courses for adults, as well as bespoke services to business. 

More than 2,800 16- to 19-year-old students and around 5,000 adult learners. In addition, it attracts a high proportion of international students and has its own staff delivering A Level programmes in schools China.