Active Hastings celebrates 20 years!

This year Active Hastings celebrates their 20th anniversary. Since their launch in 2006, Active Hastings has focused on breaking down barriers to physical activity for thousands of residents throughout Hastings. 

The Active Hastings team have played a significant role in developing the sport and physical activity landscape across the town, working with local and national partners to bring low cost or free activities to residents. Throughout the year the Active Hastings team will be revisiting their favourite milestones and will host a number of special anniversary events. Follow their social media channels to join the celebrations.

Cath Donovan, Physical Activity and Health Strategic Lead at Active Hastings, who has been at the helm of the Active Hastings team since its launch said: “We’ve had an incredible journey since we launched in 2006 and are very excited to celebrate our 20th anniversary. Our journey has been shaped by our amazing partners, participants, and dedicated team. We wouldn't be here without you. We’ve got a very exciting year ahead with some of our favourite events returning for 2026, and some new celebratory sessions happening throughout the town, watch this space. 

“Since our launch, the programme has seen exceptional engagement, with over 182,000 session visits and over 33,000 residents taking part. From being the South East's least active town in 2006, Hastings has made remarkable progress through sustained investment and community partnership. Our activity levels are rising, with local youth activity now even exceeding the national average. This success belongs to the partners and residents moving more every day.”

Councillor Glenn Haffenden, leader of the council and lead councillor for sport and leisure, said: “It’s wonderful to celebrate the positive impact Active Hastings has on the residents of Hastings by bringing physical activity to the heart of the community. I am excited to see what the future brings, as the Active Hastings programme continues to evolve to meet the needs of our residents.” 

Active Hastings is hosted by Hastings Borough Council, in partnership with East Sussex County Council, and brings together a wide range of local and national partners to ensure that everyone in Hastings can get active.

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Notes to editor: 

Active Hastings works closely with local providers of physical activity to give you easy, fun ways to get your everyday dose of physical activity. It only takes 30 minutes a day for adults and 60 a day for children to get fitter, healthier and happier. You can even break it down into 10 minute slots! 

Active Hastings coordinates the local Community Physical Activity Network, which brings together schools, sport clubs, National Governing Bodies of Sport, health organisations, the voluntary sector and the private sector to work together, unblock barriers to participation and improve the local sport and physical activity delivery system. 

Active Hastings is hosted by Hastings Borough Council, in partnership with East Sussex County Council, and brings together a wide range of local and national partners to ensure that everyone in Hastings can get active. 

Find out more at www.activehastings.org.uk or follow them on Facebook ‘Active Hastings’.  

For more information contact Emma Bailey, Social Marketing and Communications Officer, Active Hastings, Hastings Borough Council on 01424 451145 or email: emma.bailey@hastings.gov.uk.