Happy Hastings Day! 😕Coincidentally, this year, the Hastings Borough Bonfire Society's torchlit procession is on the same day, and their bonfire will be on Pelham Beach as usual, and yes, roads will be closed to traffic near the seafront from 6 pm to 11 pm this evening. Indeed, the Hastings Bonfire 2023 celebration (website) is the culmination of Hastings Week celebrations, as usual (website).
A Past Procession
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.
There are a few other Hastings Week events being held today, of course (website), including the sixth Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Show at The Stade Open Space from 10.00 am to 2.30 pm.
Enjoy the day, stay safe, and please be careful for your pets when the procession gets going and, notably, when the fireworks begin 🎆 and look after each other!
Hastings Day is the anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, 14th October 1066 (blog).
