Every year Hastings gets more visitors from Belgium than any other country, and at a recent exhibition our town proved as popular as ever with our European neighbours. But what is it that draws so many across the channel?
The answer, it seems, is fish. The Ostende exhibition ‘'Oostende voor Anker’ had a Maritime theme, so Council marketing staff went all out to promote Hastings’ rich fishing heritage. The Hastings stand had a replica net hut, real Hastings pebbles, and fishing equipment including a lobster pot, kindly lent by the Fishermen’s Museum. But what good would these nautical accessories be without the chance to taste a bit of Hastings fish? Luckily, local fishing character Tush Hamilton and his wife Pat were on hand to cook and serve hundreds of their legendary fishermen’s rolls.
The fishy snacks proved very popular with visitors to the exhibition, Tush said:
"We took 1,200 pieces of fish and bread rolls to the show, and they just flew off our stall.” Literature and information flew off the stand too, so it looks there may well be another Belgian invasion this year."
Councillor Joy Waite, lead member for Communications and Organisational Development, said:
"This exhibition is one of the busiest we attend, with more than 300,000 visitors. It is ideal for us, as our maritime heritage fits exactly with the nautical theme of the show, and the Belgians really seem to love Hastings."
Hastings’ first Seafood and Wine Festival will take place on 23 and 24 September , here we take a look at what you can expect.
Promoting local seafood and showing off our town and its quality fisheries, the festival is designed to be a big boost for local businesses and tourism. The idea is to attract residents and visitors onto the Stade to experience an eclectic mix of stalls and activities.
Planned activities include tasting sessions, live music and street entertainment, fish barbecues, children’s activities, a display from the Marine Stewardship Council and maritime competitions. Local retailers are encouraged to get involved and celebrate the festival in their own way, by arranging special menus and providing entertainment.
There promises to be a unique atmosphere on the Stade, as everyone celebrates our local fish and wine produce and enjoys the range of things to sample and do. Festival organisers are determined to raise the profile of our town as a centre for quality food and wine.
We are lucky to have such a fascinating fishing heritage, and this event is all about spreading the word and getting more people to buy local produce. The festival will tie in with the Coastal Currents arts event and a Taste of Rye which take place around the same time, the idea is to catch as many passers by as possible and convince them to try our great seafood.
Visit www.visit1066country.com/events for more information on the festival as details are confirmed.
Poster for Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival 2006
23 - 24 September
Sat 11am-7pm & Sun 11am-5pm
Hastings Stade & around the town
Supported by SEEDA / Tourism South East / Hastings Borough Council
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This page last updated: 18/07/2006