Hastings Old Town Carnival 29/07 to 07/08/2022

Yes, the raising money for charity Hastings Old Town Carnival Week 2022 starts this weekend, from Friday the 29th of July to Sunday the 7th of August (website), with plenty to do for everyone. Last year there was no Pram Race, and this year the Tug-o-War has been cancelled, sadly.

Although the Old Town Criers Competition is being held on Friday (website), the equally demure tones of the Tug-o-War referee usually herald the beginning of Carnival Week, which no doubt will be held somewhere else next year. Consequently, I decided to show a photograph (above) of the Tug-o-War from a previous year, just to remind you what it's like, fingers crossed for its return next year! Maybe before? 😉 

Anyway, Carnival continues on Saturday with a significant number of events (website), notably Day 1 of the Nearly on the Beach Concert will be held on the Stade Open Space, where collections will be made in aid of Hastings RNLI Lifeboat Station, Pett Level Rescue and Hastings Sea Cadets. In addition, many other events this Saturday, including the HM Coastguard Open Day, Pop Up Makers Market, Craft Fayre, exhibitions and guided walks aplenty, and much more, indeed, never to forget the annual Guess the Weight of the Cheese Tower in Penbuckles window!

So, get ready to make donations whilst enjoying yourself, have fun!

 

Old Town Carnival: Saturday 29th July 2017

I tend to think the Old Town Carnival begins with the Tug-O-War in front of the Lifeboat Station (land side) at 10.30am on the Saturday, though beware of the Miniature Railway! But there will be a number of other events already happening, including the Coastguard Station Open Day, Rock-a-Nore Road, 10am to 4pm; Car Boot Sale at the Stables Theatre (10am to 1pm); and numerous other exhibitions and fairs; see website for full details of Saturday's events.

There are also numerous guided walks this coming week, including the Old Hastings Preservation Society's Stade Walk, meeting up at 11am outside the Fishermen's Museum. Sturdy walking shoes are advised, and, seeing the weather forecast, it may be worth wearing/carrying wet weather protective clothing; the guided walk is free, but a donation to the Fishermen's Museum would be appreciated, many thanks. 

The crowning of the Carnival Queen is planned for 12 noon on the stage at the Stade Open Space, quickly followed by the official Opening Ceremony of Hastings Old Town Carnival Week at the Fishermen's Museum, Rock-a-Nore Road, at 12 noon, or 12.30pm, depending on where you look (I'm guessing they'll get the coronation over with first!). The Union Flag will be raised up the Museum's flagstaff, and various local 'dignitaries' will be present, no doubt Mayor included, and who knows who else?!?

Plenty more happening, of course, and from 2pm until 8pm is the free "Nearly on the Beach" Concert, though collection boxes will be all over the place in support of Hastings RNLI, Pett Level Rescue, and Hastings Sea Cadets, so have plenty of small change, at least, available!

I presume the FILO will be providing a bar, as usual, but remember to look at the Carnival website, as there are many other things going on, so enjoy the fun!