Enjoy Year of the Norman events

2027 marks the 1000th anniversary of the birth of William the Conqueror. In Hastings and across the channel in Normandy, there are a whole range of events and activities over the coming months to mark the occasion. 

The Hastings Embroidery is back on display at Hastings Town Hall from Saturday 29 August, for the first time in many years. It was crafted in 1966 to mark the 900th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings and it is being exhibited to coincide with the Bayeux Tapestry being on display at the British Museum. The embroidery shows snippets of life since 1066. Tickets are free and can be booked online until October. 

From Friday 28 August, a Norman-inspired banner trail, leading from Hastings Station to Hastings Castle can also be enjoyed. Residents, community groups and organisations all entered our competition to design banners as part of the trail.  

Thank you to Sussex Community Rail Partnership and Community Rail Network for the funding for the project and to Booker and Best for installing the banners. 

There are also other Norman-themed events, including a Bayeux Family Day at Hastings Contemporary Gallery in October and several workshops with different community groups and organisations in the coming weeks. 

Hastings Castle is hosting Beyond the Bayeux on Saturday 12 September, featuring world-class music, theatre and projections bringing the Norman castle to life. Tickets are available to book online now. 

Cllr Julia Hilton, deputy leader of the council and lead councillor for regeneration, shaping places and community wealth building, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating the 1000th anniversary of William the Conqueror's birth - he played such a huge part in the story of our town. 

“I’d encourage everyone to come and enjoy the Hastings Embroidery – I am so pleased that it is out on display again to coincide with the Bayeux Tapestry being at the British Museum. It is an incredible piece of work, covering 900 years of history and Norman heritage. 

“Thank you to all our partners who are supporting these events and activities – and to the events organisers and groups who are arranging events to mark the anniversary.”  

Find out more about events in Hastings on the Visit Hastings website and keep your eyes open for further announcements on events coming soon.