Not many towns celebrate defeat in battle quite like Hastings. With fireworks, town criers and dramatic re-enactments, Hastings Week marks 1066 in spectacular style.
The beginning of the week starts with a parade from Wellington Place to the Town Hall. Once there, the Town Crier introduces the Mayor who formally opens the week’s festivities. The party marches on to Hastings Castle where it raises William the Conqueror’s Gonfalon.
Throughout the week there are a number of events, all listed in the Hastings Week programme. Why not take part in one of the many ghost walks that run through the Old Town or come to watch the Town Crier Championships? The championship attracts entrants from across the country, each competing to be the loudest, clearest and best-dressed crier.
Towards the end of the week you can enjoy a night of fun and fire as flames light up the seafront. The Hastings Beacon is set alight on the East Hill followed by the famous torchlight procession with groups joining in from bonfire societies across the county, finishing with the lighting of the bonfire on the beach and one of the UK’s largest firework displays.
Be sure to visit Battle where the annual re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings takes place. Senlac field will fill with the noise of clashing iron and the thunder of horses’ hooves as actors from across the country re-enact one of the most famous events in, not just British but world history, which ended with the death of King Harold and changed the future of our country forever.
All in all a fantastic week of fiery fun and medieval merriment, with something for everyone to enjoy.
To pick up a programme call in to Hastings Information Centre in Priory Meadow.
Back to top of page...
< Festival fun | Foyle is back >
This page last updated: 12/09/2006