Norman Heritage Banner Competition

Celebrate Hastings’ Norman Story

Entries are now closed for our banner competition - thank you to everyone who entered. The designs are being judged and successful designers will be contacted in the coming days. We will update our social media with details of the winners before the trail goes live later in August.

This summer, Hastings Borough Council is inviting residents, families, young people, community groups, clubs and local organisations to take part in the Norman Heritage Banner Competition.

Thank you to Sussex Community Rail Partnership and Community Rail Network for funding towards this project.

We're looking for creative and engaging banner designs inspired by Hastings’ unique Norman heritage, history, landmarks and stories. Selected designs will be professionally printed and displayed along a colourful banner trail running from Hastings Railway Station to Hastings Castle via the Town Hall, seafront and West Hill Lift.

The trail will help bring Hastings’ history to life, creating a vibrant visitor experience that connects Hastings Castle, the Hastings Embroidery exhibition at Hastings Town Hall and rail links to the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition in London.

Along the route, visitors will be able to scan QR codes to discover local history, stories and information connected to each banner design. A free printed trail map will also be available to help people follow the route and explore the town.

About the Banner Trail

The Norman Heritage Banner Trail will:

• Celebrate Hastings' important place in history
• Showcase creativity from across our community
• Encourage residents and visitors to explore the town
• Support family-friendly activities during the summer and beyond
• Increase awareness of Hastings Castle and local heritage attractions
• Create opportunities for young people and community groups to contribute to a high-profile public project
• Help tell Hastings' story in a fun and engaging way. 

Prizes and Recognition

A judging panel will select a number of designs to be featured on the Norman Heritage Banner Trail.

Category Winners

One overall winner will be selected from each category:

• Under 11s
• Young People (11–18)
• Families
• Community Groups and Organisations
• Open Category (18+).

Each category winner will receive:

• A £100 gift voucher
• Their design professionally printed and displayed as part of the Norman Heritage Banner Trail.
• A dedicated QR code linked to their banner, allowing visitors to learn more about the creator, their inspiration and the story behind the design.
• A feature on the Norman Heritage Banner Trail webpage.
• Recognition in the printed trail map available from Hastings Railway Station and the East Hill and West Hill Lift stations.
• The opportunity to have their work seen by thousands of residents and visitors exploring Hastings' Norman heritage.

Selected Banner Trail Entries

In addition to the category winners, a number of outstanding entries will be selected for inclusion in the Norman Heritage Banner Trail.

Each selected entrant will receive:

• A £20 gift voucher
• Their design professionally printed and displayed on the trail
• A dedicated QR code linked to their banner
• A feature on the project's webpage
• Inclusion in the printed trail map
• Recognition as a contributor to a major public heritage project celebrating Hastings' Norman story.

Leave a Lasting Legacy

All selected designs will form part of a unique public art and heritage trail linking Hastings Railway Station, the town centre and Hastings Castle. Through the banners, digital content and trail materials, participants will help tell the story of Hastings for residents and visitors alike. 

Judging and Selection

Entries will be reviewed by a judging panel. Judges will be looking for creativity, originality, visual impact and how effectively the design reflects Hastings' Norman heritage.

Selected designs will be professionally printed and displayed on banners throughout Hastings town centre. Each banner will include a QR code giving visitors access to information about the creator and the inspiration behind the design, helping people connect with the stories and individuals behind the trail. Selected entrants will also be recognised through the project's website and printed trail materials. 

We look forward to seeing how residents, families, young people and community groups bring Hastings' Norman story to life and help create a unique heritage trail for everyone to enjoy.