Hastings Fat Tuesday Tour 2026

This evening is the Fat Tuesday Tour! Details of bands & venues at the website; have fun folks!

Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday

Hastings Fat Tuesday Music Festival: 13th to 17th of February 2026 is back next week, and it's time to celebrate again Britain's largest Mardi Gras in Hastings! The full details of events can be found at the website. As usual I'll share details and notes here about the history of Mardi Gras itself. The festival encompasses numerous venues across Hastings throughout the 5 days of the festival until culminating on the evening of Shrove Tuesday/Pancake Day/Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras/whatever 🎶 Tuesday the 17th of February, for the Fat Tuesday Tour 2026, with partying and music galore from 24 established acts at 12 venues plus!

Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Spectacle! 

OK, we may not be as spectacular as Mardi Gras in New Orleans (website) which has been going since 1703, originally 60 miles south of New Orleans, at Point Du Mardi Gras, where  French explorers landed a few years earlier, on the day of Mardi Gras, the 2nd of March 1699. New Orleans was established in 1718, with Mardi Gras regularly celebrated there by the 1830s, and by 1875, large floats were being built in New Orleans to celebrate the festival, the year it became a legal public holiday.

Rio de Janeiro Carnaval, Glamour!

Or as glamourous as Carnaval in Rio which has been celebrated, initially with feasts, since the 17th century. Masquerade balls became popular in the 19th century, but in the early 20th century the culture of African music and dance, introduced by freed slaves and their children, was enveloped within Portuguese Rio de Janeiro, then was founded the dance style of Samba (Sambassadorsofgroove). Mardi Gras was now celebrated in Rio together with the development of Samba schools in the 1920s (there are about 200 schools in existence now) the Carnaval (Portuguese for Carnival) festival became centred on the parade of the Samba schools and the glamour that was introduced, and since 1933 Rio Carnaval has become the largest Mardi Gras festival in the World, with 2 million people participating every year.

We may not have as much spectacle and glamour as New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro, although there will be plenty of dressing up, be assured of that, and Mardi Gras and Carnaval have been going considerably longer than Fat Tuesday in Hastings, but we do have free live music galore and we party, this is Hastings!

Whichever events you attend, do enjoy our Mardi Gras and have fun!

Fat Tuesday 2025 - Early Warning!

Hastings Fat Tuesday Music Festival early warning for us all, this year running from Friday the 28th of February to Fat Tuesday the 4th of March 2025 (website) and it will again be time to celebrate Mardi Gras in style in Hastings!

Fat Tuesday 2021 - Mardi Gras Cancelled, BUT...

Indeed, Hastings Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras is cancelled this year all around the world, as expected of course, due to the COVID-19 Crisis. At least, I can't find anything happening in Hastings, online or not, though I am sure some people will celebrate, because that's what people are, particularly in Hastings, they're inventive! I have written about previous celebrations in Hastings often in past years, and the history of Mardi Gras (eg last year & blog), so what to do in 2021?

Well, in New Orleans they have turned homes into floats (Washington Post) and, apparently, in Rio the Samba Schools are going online, and you can always watch previous years celebrations, eg the Rio Carnival last year (YouTube), or listen to a feast of your own chosen music, or just make and eat pancakes...

Whatever,  let's do our best to enjoy Fat/Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras! 👌

FAT TUESDAY, that is MARDI GRAS!

Today is the day, enjoy! If you want to know who is playing where and when this evening 8-11.30pm, please go to their website, if you want to be surprised, just walk around the Old Town and be surprised at the quality of music available, have fun!

If you haven't already read it, more about Fat Tuesday in Friday's blog.

Un-Convention and Slim Monday

The Fat Tuesday music festival continues (nearly at tomorrow's climax!) with Un-Convention today, 4th March, at the splendid St Mary in the Castle, from 10.30 to 17.30; doors open at 10.00 (details at the website). Un-Convention is a "one-day music conference aimed at the grassroots of the industry" and features workshops and panellists from across the music business.

This evening brings the, now traditional, Slim Monday featuring King Size Slim, and where you may meet many of the Fat Tuesday musicians and singers in 'civvies' during this laid back event, doors opening at 18.30. In addition to the music, this year also features a Quanticks Quiz from 19.30, hosted by writer, broadcaster and critic David Quantick; tickets are £5, more details at the website.

Fat Tuesday - Umbrella Parade (Sunday)

I was a wee bit concerned when I heard that Storm Freya would be tearing across the UK tomorrow (Sunday 3rd), and, although the West and North West of the country will receive the brunt of the storm, it is forecast to be very wet and windy down here too! However, I now understand that the Umbrella Parade this year will not be braving the elements, which is a shame but, very sensibly, the complete event will be held in St Mary in the Castle (website), simples! So, the Umbrella Parade, then Preservation Sunday with it's New Orleans style Mardi Gras celebration (website), from 12.00 noon in St Mary in the Castle it is then, do not forget your umbrella and enjoy! 😉

Also, tomorrow, will see the second day of the (Thee Saturday) now Thee Sunday Sonics (website) and Under the Radar (website), so there's something for everyone, just about, and don't worry about the weather, but do have a great day!

Fat Tuesday: Already Kicking Off!

You know Hastings Fat Tuesday Music Festival 2019 (website) is kicking off when you see this marker in the town centre! Indeed, this is the 10th anniversary of Hastings Fat Tuesday, which always starts a wee bit early here compared to elsewhere in the world, and kicks off tonight with the Fat Friday Launch Party and The Great Malarkey starting at 8pm in The Albion (website), and encompasses numerous venues in the old and new towns throughout the 5 days of the festival until culminating on the evening of Shrove Tuesday/Pancake Day/Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras itself...

Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Spectacle! 

OK, it may not be as spectacular as Mardi Gras in New Orleans (website) which has been going nearby since 1703, 60 miles south of New Orleans, at Point Du Mardi Gras, where certain French explorers landed a few years earlier, on the day of Mardi Gras, the 2nd of March 1699. New Orleans was established in 1718, with Mardi Gras regularly celebrated there by the 1830s, and by 1875, large floats were being built in New Orleans to celebrate the festival, the year it became a legal public holiday.

Rio de Janeiro Carnaval, Glamour!

Mardi Gras in Rio, has been celebrated, initially with feasts, since the 17th century, masquerade balls became popular in the 19th century, but in the early 20th century the culture of African music and dance, introduced by freed slaves and their children, was enveloped within Portuguese Rio de Janeiro, then was founded the dance style of Samba (website). Mardi Gras was now celebrated in Rio together with the development of Samba schools in the 1920s (about 200 schools in existence now) the Carnaval (Portuguese for Carnival) festival became centred on the parade of the Samba schools and the glamour that introduced (website), and since 1933 Rio Carnaval has become the largest Mardi Gras festival in the World, with 2 million people participating every year! 

OK, we may not have as much spectacle and glamour as New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro, though there will be plenty of dressing up, be assured of that, and Mardi Gras and Carnaval have been going considerably longer than Fat Tuesday in Hastings... but what we do have is music galore, and not a wee bit of merriment, carrying on with 40 artists and bands playing short sets at 20 venues across the Old Town tomorrow, 2nd March, for 5 hours from 1-6pm, and from St Mary in the Castle in Pelham Crescent to the Dolphin Inn in Rock-a-Nore Road (if you don't have a programme already, for specific acts and where they're playing, go to the website), plenty to enjoy!

Also tomorrow there is Thee Saturday Sonics (website - also on Sunday) at the Black Market from 1-6pm, and, in the spirit of masquerade, is Le Grand Mardi Gras Ball, from 8pm until 2 in the morning, at St Mary in the Castle (website - early bird tickets £15), and, not to forget, plenty of music at the usual Saturday venues, have fun!


Not to forget Saturday 2nd is the final day of the Piano Concerto Competition (blog).

Music Month & Piano Competition...

Well, another Hastings Music Month from Fat Tuesday to St Patrick's Day has begun (13th February to 17th March 2018 - website), not to mention another Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition as part of that month! Indeed, today and tomorrow you can play a grand piano in Priory Meadow as part of the build-up to the first weekend in March (15th February to 3rd March 2018 - website).

So, whether you like classical, rock, pop or jazz, the music just keeps on keeping on, when it comes to music in Hastings, in never rains but it pours! 😉

Mardi Gras - The Fat Tuesday Tour!

It's that time of year when you can chose between staying in and scoffing pancakes or going out to enjoy the abundance of free live music in Hastings old town, or you could do both! With 24 bands playing 20 minute sets at 12 venues, that's 6 acts at each venue if you don't want to follow particular bands... So. ensconce yourself in a venue where you'll feel more comfortable venue/acts wise, or dodge around the venues (it can be difficult getting drinks at, or even getting into, some venues once the ball's rolling!). 

Check the website for details of the venues and when bands are playing at each venue (too many to list here), dress up and enjoy the evening!

Even More Music Today!

Yes, even more music! From 12.00 to 10.30pm emerging artists and bands "curated by BBC Introducing, Joe Strummer Foundation, OFF AXIS network and Incubate" will be playing Under the Radar (website). These gigs are away from the old town, indeed at venues in the town centre; these are the Palace, White Rock (website - their image, many thanks!), On the Rocks, 4 Claremont (facebook page) and the Brass Monkey, Havelock Road (website).

And also, at The Printworks, 14 Claremont (website - their image, many thanks!)...

From 1pm to 11pm, there will be Thee Sunday Sonics 2018, a returning free "one-day celebration of experimental music, sound art and film" and the 'brainchild' of local artist Danny Pockets. There will be an eclectic mix of local DJs during the afternoon, followed by live performances from 6.30pm (website).

Enjoy your day, and more to come still!

Sunday & The Umbrella Parade...

It's Sunday and the Fat Tuesday festival continues with the Umbrella Parade this morning, and the weather forecast doesn't look too bad, though it may be a wee bit windy. The meeting place this year is The Stade open space, with the planned time of meeting/leaving being 11.30am; see website for further details.

The Parade will head along the seafront to St Mary in the Castle for Preservation Sunday, 12.30-6pm (free entrance), with food, drink, and music from brass bands; see website. Enjoy your day!

There will be even more music in town today, next blog...

Festival Kicks Off with the Fat Friday Launch Party!

The Hastings Fat Tuesday 2018 five day festival kicks off this evening at St Mary in the Castle, from 8pm, with tickets at £5 in advance, £8 on the door, when...

Skinny Lister

the "raucous punk-folk" Skinny Lister headline at 9.30pm, supported by singer-songwriter Jamie Smart at 8.45pm. See the festival website for more information.

The fun is about to begin yet again... 

Tune Raiders on hold...

Sadly, the regular Tuesday evening slot of the Tune Raiders at the Dolphin Inn, Rock-a-Nore Road, has ended after about 4 years due to various reasons, so Tuesdays have changed there. This Tuesday just gone, I missed a number of the Ukulele people who play every 2 weeks on Fridays round the corner at the Lord Nelson in The Bourne (next a week today on the 9th of February, I believe). They'll be returning to the Dolphin again on the evening of Tuesday 20th February as Uke 'n' Party, which I'm told was excellent this Tuesday, so well worth a visit there, and to the Lord Nelson of course!

Next Tuesday, the 6th February, at the Dolphin will be folk music by Mojo Calling, and, of course, on the 13th is Fat Tuesday (see previous blog or the Fat Tuesday website).

Expect to see varying gigs and events at the Dolphin Inn from now on Tuesday evenings, and don't be surprised to see fiddly diddly Oirish Tune Raiders return at some time, best wishes to them all and their families!

Less than 3 weeks to the start of Hastings Fat Tuesday Festival!

Where did that year go?!? Anyway, my weekend being slightly upset by the prevailing weather conditions, I've been uplifted by realising the start of the 2018 Hastings Fat Tuesday festival is just 20 days away, indeed, the biggest Mardi Gras festival in the UK! Starting with Friday's Launch Party, then Unplugged Saturday, an afternoon of bands playing at many locations in the old town, from St Mary in the Castle via George Street, High Street and All Saints Street, to the Dolphin Inn in Rock-a-Nore Road; see website. To the Grand Mardi Gras Ball at St Mary in the Castle on Saturday evening, and the Umbrella Parade, starting Sunday morning at the Stade, then promenading to St Mary in the Castle again, fingers crossed it won't be too windy!

Also on Sunday more music across the town from lunchtime, at St Mary in the Castle, the Brass Monkey and The Palace, and at On the Rocks and The Printworks in Claremont. On Monday there is UnConvention, a one-day music conference at the White Rock Theatre from 10am to 5.30pm, and Slim Monday, with King Size Slim performing at The Palace from 7pm. See website for full details of what's on. 

The festival culminates with the Fat Tuesday Tour, and, finally, with the After-show Party; see website. From 8pm to 11pm, on Tuesday the 13th of February, the 2018 Fat Tuesday Tour will see 24 bands play three 20-minute sets each, at 12 venues, which means either settling down in one venue, so choose the bands you with to see most at one venue, or more challenging, wandering from venue to venue to see particular bands. Whatever you do, enjoy Mardi Gras!

Fat Tuesday Music Images

Nigel Clark of Dodgy, the well known headlining act for Hastings Fat Tuesday this year, here photographed playing at the London Trader; they also played at the Albion and were the last act to play at the Carlisle.

My roving photographer, Marcus, took these photographs for me (many thanks Marcus!), chosen because he has much better photographic equipment than I do. Oh yes, and he knows quite a number of people who play in the 24 bands that were on show on Tuesday evening, and these images are unique and all rights are owned by him...  

And this is Captain Clagnut playing at the Old Market; they also played at the Jenny Lind and the Standard. An eclectic selection of bands shown here, indeed!

This is Sand Rabbit playing at the Dolphin Inn, and this trio also played at the First In Last Out (FILO), and at Porters, earlier in the evening.

Local band, Kid Kapichi, the last act to play at the Admiral Nelson; they also played at the Albion, and at the Carlisle.

Soul Xpress playing at the Dolphin Inn; they also played at Porters earlier in the evening, and were the last act to play at the Anchor.

We Are Baz were the last act to play at the FILO, here photographed playing earlier in the evening at the Albion; they also played at the Anchor and at the Dolphin Inn.

Thanks again to Marcus J Lamb-Bentley for allowing me to publish these images, cheers!

Mardi Gras, but the Council still can't sort out street cleaning!

This morning

Whilst a grande Fat Tuesday festival of music for this evening has been organised very efficiently, the Council still couldn't organise a party in a brewery, sort it out!

It's Mardi Gras, Party Time!

OK, unlikely to see anything quite this exotic locally this evening, but today is Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday in Hastings... Which means hours of music in many locations: The Jenny Lind, Nelson, Standard. Trader, Dragon Bar, Albion, Old Market, Carlisle, FILO, Porters, Dolphin, Anchor. plus The Fringe: See the Fat Tuesday website for which bands are playing where, SIX playing at each venue from 8pm!

The Umbrella Parade...

Despite the wind and rain the Umbrella Parade persevered...

I told you it would kick off from Butler's Gap

Umbrella Parade and more today.

Last year

So, this Sunday the Fat Tuesday pre-festivities start off with the Umbrella Parade, this year starting at noon from the Stade (according to the leaflet), or assembling at Butler's Gap in George Street at 11.30am, as last year, (according to the website!) and heading for the Palace at White Rock; I'd be tempted to go to George Street first... At the Palace, noon until 2pm, is 'Preservation Sunday' with food, drink and music. 

Music also with 'Off Axis' from 1pm until after 9pm with many bands at various sites around the town centre, that is, at Flairz, the Brass Monkey, Union Bar and Carlisle. Plus, a celebration of avant garde electronic music from noon onwards, 'Thee Sunday Sonics', at a few central venues, starting on the basement floor of the Borough Wines building in Robertson Street. For further details of the day go to the website.  Enjoy!