Hastings Lifeboat Concert kicks off Carnival!

Indeed, the Concert kicks off Hastings Old Town Carnival Week 2024, 1st to 12th August (website), at the Stade Open Space, preceeded by the Carnival Opening Ceremony at 14.45. The concert is being held to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI, facebook), and is free to enjoy from 15.00, although entry is from 13.00.

Although the concert is free, any donations to the RNLI and Hastings Lifeboat would be "warmly welcome and hugely appreciated." An excellent tribute to our local heroes!

Hastings Lifeboat Open Day Saturday 27th of July 2024

This Saturday (27th of July 2024) will see Hastings RNLI Emergency Services Open Day (facebook). This will be held at Hastings Lifeboat Station and on The Stade Open Space in front of the station from 10.00am to 4.00pm; that is 10.00 to 16.00 hours.

You are invited to see how the Shannon Class RNLI 13-28 The Richard and Caroline Colton and Hastings RNLI Emergency Services work; also see video. Enjoy the informative day folks!

Hastings Pirate Day/Weekend 2024

There's always plenty happening in Hastings, but this weekend also includes Hastings Pirate Day 2024 (Weekend 20/21 July 2024), what more can I say?!? Ever since Hastings recorded the Guinness Book of Records standing record of the number of pirates in a single area, that is on the beach in Hastings in 2012 (14,231 above), we've been waiting for our Cornish piratical chums in Penzance to catch up, and they still haven't! So, it's yet more chance for Hastings folk to dress up and enjoy themselves and, of course, there will be drums and music aplenty!

An early warning sign that the seafront between central Hastings and the Old Town will be closed to traffic tomorrow (Sunday 21st) between Noon and 1.00pm, more of later... Today, though, do not be surprised to see a few pirates around, indeed, there will be a piratical presence in many places around the Old Town all weekend, including a craft market at the Stade and workshops for children by the Aquarium, and much more, see the website for the programme.

On Sunday the reason for the temporary road closure will become clear, as there will be a procession (route above) between the America Ground and the Old Town. The procession will begin forming up outside OWENS/the old Debenhams building from 11.30am tomorrow (Sunday the 21st of July), leaving at 1.00pm, and heading along the seafront road to the Stade Open Space in the Old Town, where many will disperse around the Old Town, or stay to sample the delights around Rock-a-Nore and the Stade (programme). Enjoy the weekend me 'arties!

Easter Weekend in Hastings: Enjoy!

Okay, I still have a wee bit to say about my break away in Belgium, but I can't not share the fact that there is much to do around Hastings over the Easter period, including Hastings Easter Festival at the Stade Open Space on Saturday 30th March, from 2-6.00pm (website). This will be a free live music and arts festival, including an eclectic mix of musical genres, an arts exhibition and food from local vendors; donations towards the cost would be appreciated. The weather forecast isn't bad either!

But the musical fun has already begun with Easter Madness live music at the Jenny Lind pub in the High Street until Monday 1st April (Hastings Events). Of course, there is always plenty of live music in pubs and bars around the old town anyway, and even Hastings Pier will be waking up with live music this weekend (facebook), so there's plenty of live music to look out for, and much of it free!

Also, not to forget that this evening (28th March) there will be free light shows in Bottle Alley: 7.00-7.20pm; 7.35-7.55; 8.10-8.30pm; and 8.45-9.05 pm.

Plus plenty more to do, including for children, for example, at Hastings Aquarium (facebook), the Great Cream Egg Giveaway at Priory Meadow Friday 29th and Saturday 30th from 11.00am to 3.00pm both days (website), and see All Events website for details of other events around Hastings.

Enjoy the weekend folks! 👍

Seafood & Wine Festival & Beer Festival Weekend!

What can I say, are you a lover of good food and drink? Then you've a great weekend ahead of you! Starting tomorrow is the annual Hastings Seafood & Wine Festival at The Stade Open Space, opposite the RNLI Lifeboat Station in Hastings Old Town: 11-18.00 Saturday and Sunday. Food and drink, obviously, and live music, cooking demonstrations, and activities for children too; Tickets cost £4 in advance from the Visitor Information Centre by Hastings railway station/bus terminus, £5 on the gate, under 18s free. Go to visit1066country for full information. 🐟🍷

In addition, and already started today, the Brickmaker's Alehouse in Bexhill, 27 Sea Road, TN40 1EE, is holding a Beer and Cider Festival all weekend, with the refreshments coming from breweries they've never had ales from before. Indeed, last week Martin thought I was pressing him for an idea of what may be served up, but he was steadfast in his resolve not to divulge any information!  Anyway, over 20 new ales and 8 ciders ordered for the festival, starting off with 12 ales and 6 ciders available from today. If you'd like more information, and what will be available over the weekend, go to either facebook or twitter, cheers! 🍻

Hastings Pirate Day 2022 - Weekend 16th/17th July!

This was the scene 10 years ago (22nd of July 2012), when 14,231 Pirates turned up on Pelham Beach, Hastings (Guinness World Records), and, despite attempts to break this record elsewhere since, Hastings still holds the world record for the largest gathering of pirates in one place. Consequently, this is yet another year when, no worries, it will just be about dressing up, turning up and having fun!

If you're new to Hastings, or just visiting this weekend, do not be surprised to see people dressed up appropriately, or inappropriately (😉) wherever you are, town centre, old town, on the beach, in pubs, everywhere! The people of Hastings do love to dress up, and pirates come from near and far for this weekend. 

So, what will be happening? Plenty, in fact, with Hastings Pier (above) and the Stade Open Space (near the Lifeboat Station) being the main focal points: But things happening from music at St Leonards - Goat Ledge; to the Town Centre Pirate Treasure Trail; to Pelham Beach with Pirate Golf, drums and more; to Rock a Nore with museums, aquarium, children's craft workshop, pirates, and much more! 

Indeed, fun for all the family across town, with live music and cabaret, film, drums and cannon fire, Blackbeard's market, bars, and pubs of course, all joining in the spirit of Pirate Day, and 2 parades too! Both processions starting at 3.00pm on Sunday and heading towards Pelham Beach, one from the Pier heading eastwards, the other from the Stade Open Space heading westwards, reaching Pelham Beach to join the celebrations of Hastings being Pirate Capital of the World for 10 years!

Go to Hastings Pirate Day website to see more details of the programme, and just wander around, things will be happening in many places not listed, I'm sure.

Try not to walk the plank, but do enjoy yourselves, avast ye, me hearties!

Hastings Midsummer Fish Festival Returns this Weekend!

This weekend sees the return of the Hastings Midsummer Fish Festival (25-26 June 2022) at the Stade Open Space down near the seafront/Lifeboat Station in the Old Town (visit1066country); 11.00am to 6.00pm both days, weekend wristbands cost £2 in advance from Hastings Visitor Information Centre in front of Hastings Railway Station/by the College, Station Approach (website), or £3 on the gate, under 18s free. The Visitor Information Centre is open 10.00am to 12.30pm and 1.15pm to 4.00pm today and tomorrow, 10.00am to 2.00pm at the weekend.

There will be locally sourced fish (of course!), food, wines and beers, live music (11.30am to 6.00pm), children's activities (11.30am to 5.00pm), and cooking and preparation of seafood demonstrations in the Stade Hall Classroom on the Coast (from noon). For more details please go to website.

Welcome back to our festivals, and enjoy! 

Hastings May Day Weekend - Jack in the Green Returns!

Hastings Traditional Jack in the Green isn't just about the impressive May Day bank holiday Monday morning procession (above, near the start in Rock-a-Nore Road), no, it is returning with much merrymaking, drinking, music and dancing from Friday the 29th of April evening, and over the weekend, and culminating with the Procession through Hastings old town on Monday the 2nd of May, an afternoon of entertainment up on the West Hill, and the Slaying of the Jack from 4pm. See the website for fuller details.

Also, the organiser of Bike1066 has retired, so there will be no official Bikers' event in Hastings on Monday (HBC), but Hastings Council is allotting dedicated motorbike parking in Pelham Place car park and at The Stade open space. I am assured by a friend that quite a few motorbikes will be turning up to Hastings over the weekend, particularly on Monday, since the event hasn't happened since 2019 (blog). Indeed, biker groups are now consulting one another about organising an event for next year.

Roll on!! 👌 

Hastings Seafood & Wine Festival 2021

Yes, indeedy, the Hastings Seafood & Wine Festival returns this weekend, 18-19 September 2021, at The Stade Open Space, open 11.00 to 18.00 both days, providing food and drink, and with music until 19.00 (visit1066country). Entry is by wristband on the day for £5 (under 18s free), or wristbands can be bought beforehand at the Hastings Visitor Information Centre for £4.

As ever, there is the usual Sunday morning (10.00, doors open 09.00) Jazz Breakfast with Liane Carroll & Friends in a separate marquee from the main festival, costing £20 (children £10) for 2 hours of music, continental breakfast and a wristband for the main festival; tickets available from Hastings Visitor Information Centre, but be sure to be quick if you want to go as tickets always do go quickly (visit1066country).

Enjoy your weekend folks, and stay safe! 

A quieter Weekend...

The weather isn't going to be too bad this weekend (forecast), although Sunday morning doesn't look great, and there isn't much obvious going on event-wise (eg no Stade Saturdays this week), except that the Coastal Currents Arts Festival 2019 is very near to its end, and so a last opportunity to investigate the venues (website). For example, visit the Big Green Fair to be held on Sunday (29th) 11.00 to 16.00 hours at the Stade Hall, Stade Open Space and Shipwreck Museum (facebook).

Since first writing this I have learned from Licy Clayden, many thanks, that the inclement weather the marquee could not be erected, consequently indoor events only for the Big Green Fair, I trust no-one was too disappointed... 

Plus the regular things to do in Hastings, of course, gigs in pubs, museums to visit, parks, castle, aquarium, promenade, beach, food and drink etc., have a look at visit1066country website, whatever you do, have a good weekend!

Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival 2019

Not to forget that this weekend, 14-15th September, also sees the Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival 2019 at the Stade Open Space (website), and not just food and drink, but live music and entertainment too. Adult entrance is £4 at the gate, children under 18 free, though you can purchase a wristband to gain entrance for £2.50 if you buy in advance from Hastings Tourist Information Centre at Breeds Place. 

As usual, on Sunday morning is the Jazz Breakfast with Liane Carroll and Friends, price £19 for adults and £10 for children 17 and under, tickets from Breeds Place too, though hurry up, because this event usually sells out early, please don't hold your breath as they may have already gone by the time you read this blog.

Enjoy your weekend, though I may have one more blog to add... 😉

Congratulations to the Police and Council!

Congratulations to Sussex Police and the Council for moving them on from the Stade within 20 hours, and the police were polite, speedy and efficient, nice one!

Stade Saturdays - 24th August 2019

This Saturday, at the Stade Open Space, sees Stade Saturdays with even more dancing! This week goes Ballroom from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm (website), with music by Simply Swing, take part in dance workshops with Ballroom Glamour, or simply dance, or watch ballroom champions and Para Dance UK Dancers. And the weather forecast looks very pleasant too, enjoy!

Strictly Stade Saturday

For the Stade Saturdays event today, there is Strictly Stade Saturday (website), from 2.00 to 9.00 pm, at the Stade Open Space of course! The day will be led by Dance Hastings and Hastings Salsa, and includes dance classes and opportunity for families, people with learning disabilities, and wheelchair access, come dancing! 

• 2.15pm Wheelchair accessible inclusive class, suitable for those with learning difficulties
• 3.15pm Charleston dance class [inclusive and family friendly]
• 4.00pm Swing dance class [family friendly]
• 4.45pm Social Swing dancing for all
• 5.45pm Salsa class [inclusive and family friendly]
• 6.30pm Social Salsa and Latin dancing for all
• 7.30pm Rueda de Casino
• 8pm - 9pm Social Argentine tango dancing

Stade Saturdays Returns...

Stade Saturdays (website) returns to the Stade Open Space this evening from 7.30 pm with music performed by Juliet Russel, Tijs Groen and Vocal Explosion, a truly eclectic mix of sound... Your's free to enjoy!

Midsummer Fish Festival 2019

The Hastings Midsummer Fish Festival 2019 will be starting tomorrow at 11.00am, 22-23 June 2019, at The Stade (website). As always, food, drink and music all day, both days, with admission in advance from the Tourist Information Centre, Breeds Place, for £1.50 the whole weekend; at the 'gate' £3.00, and under 18s free. There will be a bar with crafty keg beers, and Harveys Brewery (website) will have a real ale bar (no FILO this year), if you would prefer ales from local microbreweries, try the Jolly Fisherman or the Dolphin Inn, the nearest free houses.

Weekend Events in Hastings

The Hastings Winkle Club (blog) Jazz & Blues Festival - 31 May to 2 June 2019, in aid of local charities, begins this evening with live music at 3 venues: The Letter Quintet playing from 8.30pm at the Jenny Lind in the High Street, and from 9pm with The Black Sheep playing at the Nelson near the bottom of The Bourne, and The Chantell Duncan Band playing at the Old Market in George Street (website). Saturday and Sunday evenings will also see live music at these venues and at Porters Wine Bar in the High Street, the EHSAA Club opposite the Lifeboat Station at The Stade, and the Dragon Bar in George Street (see website for more details).

Saturday and Sunday also has live music plaing at The Stade Open Space, in conjunction with the first of this year's Stade Saturdays (website): live music playing on stage from 12.30pm to 9pm on Saturday 1st, and from 10.30am (opens 10am) on Sunday with The Big Band Breakfast until 7.30pm (website).



Also on Sunday, from 8am to 12 noon, there will be a Car Boot Sale organised by Roebuck Enterprises in the Roebuck Centre, Roebuck Street (in between High Street and The Bourne - facebook page).

Meanwhile, over in St Leonards the road will be closed for the St Leonards/Kings Road Street Market (facebook page) from 10am to 4 pm tomorrow Saturday 1st.

And, of course, there are the usual music events in the regular pubs and bars, and there are museums, seafront, aquarium et cetera to enjoy!



Easter Weekend in Hastings

It certainly appears that there is plenty going on this weekend, as you'd expect, I'm always happy to support Hastings RNLI Lifeboat, crew and volunteers, and this Saturday heralds Easter at Hastings Lifeboat Station! From 11.00 am to 3.00 pm you are invited to join in with "some Easter fun" including refreshments and cake, stalls and tombola, a bit of singing, the chance to meet the Easter Bunny, a goodie bag for every child who visits wearing an Easter Bonnet (facebook), and, of course, the chance to help raise money for the RNLI and Hastings Lifeboat.

Great to see that this Saturday and Sunday also heralds the return of the first of the 2019 guided walks organised by the Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) with their Stade Guided Walk (website). If you wish to participate, you need to meet up outside Hastings Fishermen's Museum, Rock-a-Nore Road, at 11.00am both days (meet indoors in inclement weather, but the forecast looks very good with blue sky every day of the weekend - Met Office). You will be led on this tour of the Stade Fishing Quarter by an experienced volunteer from the Fishermen's Museum, and it usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. Strong shoes are advised, and if, like me, you burn easily, a hat and/or Factor 50 might be advisable. The walk is free, but any donations to Hastings Fishermen's Museum would be very much appreciated, many thanks!

One building along from the Fishermen's Museum in Rock-a-Nore Road is the Shipwreck Museum (website), also well worth a visit! In addition, this Saturday they have organised a guided walk of the wreck of the Amsterdam, a Dutch East Indiaman that ran aground at Bulverhythe in 1749 (website). This guided walk costs £6 for adults and £2 for children, and meets at the viewing platform above the beach opposite the wreck at Bulverhythe at 7.00 pm on the 20th of April; appropriate footwear is necessary and more details can be found at the website.

One building further down in Rock-a-Nore Road is the Blue Reef Aquarium (website), where you are invited to meet Mermaid Anna today (Friday 19th between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm), and with Easter events until Monday the 22nd April.

Back to the Stade Open Space in front of the Lifeboat Station, and Saturday, from 4.00 to 10.00 pm will be the Hastings Easter Music Festival, with EDM, Hip Hop, Rap and Soul live music featured. From 12.00 to 4.00 pm over the weekend there is also an associated art exhibition (website).

Hastings Pier (facebook page) has also announced that there will be another "grand reopening of Hastings Pier" at 11.00 am on Saturday 20th April, this time with "Free Entertainment" and an Easter Egg Hunt, Mascots, Ice Cream, Tea, Coffee and Cake.

Whatever, wherever, there will be plenty more happening with the usual sites, beach and music events, good food and drink, and gorgeous weather, enjoy!

Fish & Craic this weekend!

Indeed, there's a wee bit of variety this weekend in Hastings, today and tomorrow at the Stade Open Space, the annual raising of the marquee is for the Hastings Herring Fair, 17-18 November 2018. Of course, it's not just about the local herring catch, but other foods, bar with locally brewed real ale (with thanks to the FILO), music, children's activities, and cooking demonstrations (Visit 1066 Country website).

From a fishing source I have been assured that herring have been caught locally, certainly plenty were brought in on Thursday... Also, another birdy has told me that, due to Central Government 'austerity' cuts, another Herring Fair next year, sadly, looks very unlikely, because Hastings Borough Council have to convert the effects of those cuts into local policy, and that would be a shame indeed...

Anyway, back to something more cheerful, and this comes about thanks to the Hastings Fleadh, a weekend of Irish music and song taking place in a variety of venues (website). You can see greater detail of what's on at their facebook page... 

Hastings Week, and This Weekend

So, Hastings Week 2018 is from tomorrow, Saturday the 6th of October, to Hastings Day, Sunday the 14th and the 952nd anniversary of the Battle of Hastings (Visit 1066 Country website). So why have I started off this blog with using a photograph of the Stacey Marie (blog)? Well, it is always nice to start off a blog with an attractive image, and in the Hastings Week 2018 programme the Old Town Fryer at East Beach Street uses two photographs (though old 😉) of my favourite Hastings Fishermen's Museum exhibit in their advertisement, so indeed, this is a very appropriate photograph in my opinion, plus, of course, she is an excellent advertisement for the sustainable fishing industry of Hastings (blog). 

However, this weekend there are no OHPS guided walks organised, (although there will be next weekend!) but there are many other intriguing walks organised, for example tomorrow, a 10.66 Walk (meeting at Grosvenor Gardens, St Leonards, starting at 11.06 am) and a Secret Hastings Walk (meeting at the Chessboard in George Street, starting at 6pm), and so much more. As you can see above, there is a Jewellery Sale tomorrow and Sunday at the Lifeboat Station, starting 10.00 each day, with all proceeds going to the RNLI (and next weekend will see the arrival of our new Shannon Class lifeboat*, more of nearer the time). And both days have an extended Stade Saturdays Classic Cars exhibition on the Stade Open Space (website).

Keep your eyes open for plenty of interesting events this week, and enjoy!

* The ceremony for her being named Richard and Caroline Colton will be held at Hastings Lifeboat Station on the 27th of April 2019 (latest information available).