Hastings Week really does keep getting better and better, and certainly shows that we know how to mark 14 October... the programme listed nearly one hundred things to enjoy!
The week remains a mix of tried and tested favourites, and new events as well:
Among the former are the Jazz Weekend, a Gala concert and an Opera South East concert, Hobbies and Crafts at William Parker School, the increasingly popular Classic Car display (over 200 vehicles attracting an estimated 8,000 visitors this year), the National Town Criers' Championship and, one of the most popular highlights of the week, the torchlight procession, bonfire and fireworks display. The Saturday finale this year attracted around 30,000 people, with an incredible procession, organised by Hastings Borough Bonfire Society, and stunning fireworks display, courtesy of local fireworks experts Renegade Pyrotechnics.
The annual Order of 1066 Award was also made on Hastings Day, this year's worthy winner being Brion Purdey, well-known local historian who also does so much for local charities. New events for the week this year included a very popular talk by Hastings Borough Bonfire Society President Keith Leech on the history of Sussex Bonfire, the Linco-Lingo Old Town Bingo game, and a Foyle's Hastings walk.
The Battle itself was not forgotten, of course, with two spectacular re-enactments on the battlefield itself, each being sold out to capacity crowds of 11,000. And a special visitor this year was the replica Bayeux Tapestry, accompanied by the Deputy Mayor of Bayeux, and the Director and Curator of the of the Tapestry.
It really was a week to remember for everybody and, of course, it brings real benefits to the town: the hotels and guest houses were completely full for the busy weekends and, indeed, we heard of last minute visitors having to stay in accommodation as far away as Sevenoaks. All told, it is reckoned that Hastings week generated around £10m for the local economy, not bad for what would otherwise be a quiet weekend in October.
The town really is grateful to the voluntary Hastings Week Committee, and the numerous others who give up their time to organise and take part in the numerous events.
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This page last updated: 07/02/2007