Le Grand Mardi Gras Ball

About

Hastings' favourite night of revelry returns in 2026 — bigger, bolder, and brassier than ever! So dust off your sequins, shine up your shoes, and get ready to dance.

Kicking off the night are The Brass Funkeys, a high-energy 9-piece collective blazing a trail through the UK brass scene. Fresh from winning the Haizetera International Festival and previewing tracks from their upcoming album, they'll bring their signature blend of New Orleans swagger, festival spirit, and genre-hopping grooves to Hastings.

Next up, prepare to be transported by Saidi Kanda & Mvula-Mandondo, whose vibrant fusion of East African traditional music and modern African rhythms promises a joyful, high-energy journey through the savannah. With Saidi's legendary stage presence and rich musical heritage, this is a set to move your feet and lift your soul.

Then it's time to turn up the volume with REPUBLICA, the iconic techno-pop, punk-rock powerhouse fronted by the electrifying Saffron. With anthems like Ready to Go and Drop Dead Gorgeous, Republica will bring pure 90s fire and festival energy to the stage — a headline set that's loud, proud, and unforgettable.

Keep the party going with a DJ set from Heavenly Jukebox — Danny and Daisy from Heavenly Records spinning genre-spanning gems to keep the dancefloor alive. And for the late-night crew, head to the White Rock Studio where Civil Partners (in Crime) Lemur Beats will take you on a genre-blurring, time-hopping journey through house, techno, afro-disko, twisted global funk, and more.

✨ Plus! Don't forget to dress to impress — our Best Dressed Competition returns, so bring your boldest looks and fiercest flair.

Don't miss it — it's going to be one for the books.