May Day events success

Hastings was filled with tens of thousands of visitors over May Day weekend, with the 40th anniversary of Jack in the Green and the popular motorbike rally to the town.

Jack in the Green festivities started on Friday 28 April and continued over the weekend, with revellers enjoying good weather. The West Hill Lift opened even earlier than planned on Monday 1 May as there was a queue forming in George Street at 4.35am. Dozens of Morris dancers used the lift to get to the dancing at dawn on Ladies Parlour. The parade through the Old Town went smoothly and despite the rain later in the afternoon, thousands of people were on the West Hill to watch the slaying of the Jack.

We also welcomed countless motorbikes on Bank Holiday Monday on the annual May Day bike run. The bikes filled up the parking areas quickly and the town and seafront were very busy with bikers and visitors enjoying this noisy annual spectacle.

Cllr Paul Barnett, leader of the council, said: "I'd like to congratulate the wonderful work of all the volunteers who work all year round to make Jack in the Green the extraordinary event it is."