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Festivals

The 1066 Country festival programme spans the whole year. Bexhill After Dark lights up the streets in January with illuminated displays and performances. From February, Hastings is centre stage with Hastings Fat Tuesday – the UK's biggest Mardi Gras celebration.

As spring arrives, Pashley Manor goes all out for its Tulip Festival, with more than 35,000 coming into bloom in late April.

The May bank holiday weekend sees Hastings deck itself in ribbons, leaves and green facepaint for the Jack in the Green festival, culminating on the Monday when the town's population chase a giant tree up the West Hill and slay him to release the spirit of summer. Simultaneously – and perhaps incongruously – thousands of motorbikes roar into Hastings at the end of the Mayday Run, and congregate on the seafront.

July hosts Pirate Weekend, where thousands of bloodthirsty pirates descend upon Hastings, which currently holds the Guinness World Record for 'largest gathering of pirates in one place'. The St Leonards Festival brings together homegrown talent and international artists with street arts, festival markets, live music and theatrical performances.

You can't miss Battle's Scarecrow Festival, as they stuffed creations sit out on the high street and beyond to welcome all to the town. This is part of the Battle Festival of arts and music, a cultural gem in the South East's calendar.

Then the Hastings Old Town Carnival Week follows in August, including open houses and gardens, the famous Pram Race, Seaboot Race and Bike Race, and ending with the carnival procession. Rye hosts its International Jazz Festival, with a packed programme of headline concerts, free outdoor music stage and fringe events spanning jazz, blues, RnB, soul, Latin, Cuban and funk.

The Rye Arts Festival spans two weeks in September, a feast of cultural activities from literary talks to concerts and immersive theatre. This is followed by Hastings Storytelling Festival in October.

Hastings Week commemmorates the anniversary of the famous battle on 14 October 1066, and includes a Classic Car Show, National Town Criers Championship, Battle of Hastings Re-enactment at Battle Abbey and the grand finale of the Hastings Bonfire Torchlight Procession. Sussex's famous bonfire season continues with events in Battle, Rye and Robertsbridge's celebration take place on weekends through November.

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Hop Pickers, Craft and Country Fair

Address

Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6HE

Telephone
01580 765155

enquiries@kesr.org.uk

Tenterden

On 5th & 6th September, we will be celebrating our hop picking history, artisan crafts, countryside activities and championing local businesses.
There will be live music by Four Teas and One Sugar on Saturday and The Stringles Sunday, Morris…

Venue

Kent & East Sussex Railway, Ashford

Dates

From:

5 Sept 2026to6 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30

More Details
The Market at Ashburnham Place

Address

The walled Garden, Ashburnham Christian Trust, Battle, East Sussec, TN33 9NE

Telephone
07855395104

lucy.cogley@ashburnham.org.uk

Battle

Our wonderful monthly farmers market celebrating local makers and producers from East Sussex and Kent! With over 40 stalls, live music and set within a stunning working kitchen garden! Every month we hold free educational workshops for all ages!…

Dates

From:
5 Sept 2026Open 09:00 - 13:00

More Details
Hastings Seafood Wine & Music Festival

Address

Stade Open Space, Rock a Nore Road, Old Town, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 3DW

Telephone
07976168878

stadeeventscic@gmail.com

Old Town, Hastings

Set against the backdrop of Europe's largest beach-launched fishing fleet, this much-loved seaside festival celebrating 20 years of the very best of Hastings' fishing heritage alongside fantastic live music, award-winning local wines, locally brewed…

Dates

From:
11 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 22:30
From:
12 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 19:30
From:
13 Sept 2026Open 12:00 - 18:30

More Details
The Bell's Quirky Wedding Fair

Address

The Bell in Ticehurst, High Street, Ticehurst, East Sussex, TN5 7AS

Telephone
01580 200300

reservations@thebellinticehurst.com

Ticehurst

Calling all love birds! Join us and some carefully selected suppliers to sample what your wedding could look like at The Bell. View our splendid spaces, sip a glass of bubbles and taste some delicious canapes!

Dates

From:
13 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00

More Details
St Leonards BIG FLEA Market

Address

St Leonards Church, London Road, St Leoanrds, East Sussex, TN37 6AS

Telephone
07879638275

jamesmatthew.thomas@hotmail.com

St Leoanrds

The BIG Flea market of East Sussex in St Leonards On sea St Leonards church, expect vintage, pre loved, antiques and made century modern. Alongside music & Food & Beverage.

Dates

From:
20 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00

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Soft Machine @ HJF '26

Address

14 Claremont, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 1HA

mike@mikeslist.uk

Hastings

Soft Machine brings its unmistakable blend of electric jazz fusion, progressive experimentation and virtuosic musicianship to the Printworks. Expect expansive improvisation, hypnotic grooves and the kind of musical conversation that can only come…

Dates

From:
3 Oct 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00

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The Battle of Hastings Re-enactment 2026

Address

1066 Battle Abbey and Battlefield, High Street, Battle, Sussex, TN33 0AE

Telephone
0370 333 1181

battle.abbey@english-heritage.org.uk

Battle

The one and only Battle of Hastings re-enactment takes place on the very spot where King Harold and Duke William fought in 1066. Don't miss 300 reenactors recreate the drama and intensity of this legendary conflict.

Venue

1066 Battle Abbey and Battlefield, Rother

Dates

From:

10 Oct 2026to11 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00

More Details
Big Pop Party with Jon & Jo plus Bradley from S Club

Address

White Rock Theatre, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 1JX

box.office@whiterocktheatre.org.uk

Hastings

There ain't no party like an S Club party!
Wave your hands in the air at Hastings' ultimate party night featuring Jon & Jo plus Bradley from S Club with a live band, and Bradley McIntosh's 'S Club Party' DJ set. Plus, DJ act Dubtendo Allstars…

Venue

Hastings White Rock Theatre, Hastings

Dates

From:
7 Nov 2026Open 19:00 -

More Details
Rhythm of the 90s

Address

White Rock Theatre, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 1JX

box.office@whiterocktheatre.org.uk

Hastings

Rhythm of the 90s isn't just a band; they're an unforgettable experience. Combining the biggest dance anthems from the 90s with unmatched live performance energy, this seven-piece powerhouse consistently delivers electrifying shows that leave…

Venue

Hastings White Rock Theatre, Hastings

Dates

From:
30 Apr 2027Various Opening Times

More Details

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