Hundreds of Beaulieu River mooring holders were entertained at an exclusive concert by Dire Straits’ bass guitarist John Illsley and his band of talented musicians at their annual summer party at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour.
A stage was erected inside the marina’s boat shed for more than 900 berth and mooring holders to watch the performance by the co-founder of the multi-million selling band Dire Straits, which has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The summer party is a key date in the annual Beaulieu River events calendar, bringing together the Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour community so that mooring holders can meet with one another and catch up over a cold drink, bite to eat and live music, while enjoying the friendly atmosphere.
Despite the blustery conditions, hundreds took to the dance floor and sang along with familiar hits before enjoying a Knight Frank-sponsored firework finale across the marina, on the banks of the picturesque Beaulieu River.
Harbour Master Wendy Stowe said: “We booked John Illsley and his band a year in advance to secure this amazing performance for our mooring holders. They said it was the best party ever and felt privileged to watch him live.”
She added: “The annual get together is a key date on the Beaulieu River events calendar, bringing together new and old friends of the Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour community. Everyone loved getting together and said how much they enjoyed the sense of community it created, as well as watching the legendary performer.”
The Solent Cellar, Chilli Chain, Hog & Lamb Spit Roast Company and River Kitchen added to the party atmosphere, serving delicious food and drink to suit all tastes throughout the evening on Saturday 15th July.
Pop-up restaurants and community events have become regular features, along with investments to improve facilities and deliver the best possible customer service at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour in the heart of the New Forest National Park.
The Beaulieu River is one of the few privately owned rivers in the world and the custodianship of the Montagu family has kept it special by protecting it for over four centuries. In 2022, the yacht harbour was awarded Marina of the Year in the prestigious British Yachting Awards 2022, with the Beaulieu River marina voted as the best place for sailors to call home.
