Hastings Bonfire Day/Night 2024 This Weekend!

Hastings Week 2024 commences tomorrow (Saturday 12th September - website) and, of course, tomorrow also coincides with Hastings Bonfire celebrations (website). The bonfire is already being set up, indeed, saw people working on it yesterday, and leads up to Hastings Day on Monday 14th September, the 958th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings (Britannica).

The procession congregates from 6.30 pm by the White Rock Hotel and, meanwhile, the beacon is lit up on the East Hill at 7 pm, then Hastings Runners will bring lit torches down to Robertson Street. The procession starts from the western end of Robertson Street at about 7.15 pm, heads along Robertson Street and the America Ground, where torches are lit, then turns right into Harold Place before turning left and heading eastwards along the seafront to Rock-a-Nore Road in the old town, then turns left and goes up All Saints Street, where, at the top, it will cross The Bourne to the High Street, then back down to the seafront and along westwards to the Pelham Beach car park for the bonfire and fireworks at 9 pm, see the map above. Enjoy!

Happy Hastings Day!

Indeed, Happy Hastings Day, today being the 955th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings (English Heritage), and it's in the middle of Hastings Week... For details of the events still to come, including the procession, bonfire and fireworks on Saturday, go to the website. But do be careful and enjoy Hastings Week folks!

 

Battle of Hastings - Hastings Week

Battle Abbey

Well, we won't be celebrating the Battle of Hastings (954 years ago today) so loudly this year, and no bonfire on the beach or procession at the weekend (blog), but some things are happening to celebrate; see their facebook page.

Happy Hastings day! 😀

 

Photographs and a Video from Yesterday

Images from the Classic Motorbike Show as the Stade Saturdays event this weekend on the Stade Open Space yesterday.

Early Doors 

The effigy this year wasn't a dig at anyone, but a tribute to local character Ron Everett, aka Popeye, who died, sadly, earlier this year (see blog).

You may have guessed by now that I didn't make it to the bonfire last night, but here's a link to the Hastings Observer, and a fine video to watch, many thanks Observer!

Hastings Day, plus 12 Hour Charity Indie Gig...

Hastings Day... as in, the 951st anniversary of the Battle of Hastings! Of course there's much much more to do today, culminating in the Torchlight Procession, Bonfire and fireworks; see yesterday's blog for more information...

In addition to all the usual music, and Music Month to boot, there is a one-day indie-pop festival today (midday to midnight) at the Hastings & St Leonards Angling Association, Marine Parade, which will bring together current indie bands and those of yesteryear. The event is to raise money for the suicide prevention charity, GrassRoots, who provide support across East Sussex. See website for further information and details of bands.

The Bonfire and Fireworks: a few photographs...

Borrowed from facebook, consequently, shared all over the place, so I can't be sure who posted them, but many thanks to the individuals concerned. Anyway, the Longboat above.

Fireworks, and there were a lot! 

The end of the Longboat!

Nearly cleared up! (My image)

Anniversary, Bonfire and more this weekend!

Anyhow... I drank a pint or three of this rather nice 950th anniversary ale from Old Dairy Brewery in the Dolphin Inn, Rock-a-Nore Road, earlier today, after a rather painful root canal experience at the Dentist! Not bad at all pale ale, for a Kent brewer, and spot on delivery for the 950th anniversary.

 Saxons arrive at Battle today

At the Stade Open Space this Saturday, 15th, there is plenty more happening, regarding ale, for example, I believe there will be another couple of anniversary specials on the bar set up by the FILO for the day, and plenty of children's events throughout the day too (website). The earlier part of the day's events are situated in Battle, but a Grande Promenade of Normans and Saxons start at the Stade, 4pm to 5.15pm. 

Also, quite a bit happening on Hastings Pier; see website. By the way, these photographs show the bonfire being built up earlier today, and rumoured to be the biggest and best firework display to come, plus, the most supported Bonfire procession ever tomorrow! So says my contact at the Bonfire Society, though I couldn't get details of what will be placed on the bonfire this year, he denied any knowledge as this is a big secret, but my money would be on either a Norman Longboat, or effigies of Harold Godwinson and William the Bastard (as he was then known).

So, although more will be happening on Sunday too, the real culmination will be Saturday evening with the rather impressive Torchlight Procession, Bonfire and Fireworks; the Procession starting at 7.15pm outside the White Rock Hotel; see the Bonfire Society website for further details and a map of the procession. Have fun!