Hastings really is the place to be this summer! If its quirky and historic atmosphere wasn’t enough to convince you to visit, the town also has a line up of exciting summer events. With the school holidays quickly approaching, Hastings is a destination that can entertain even the grumpiest of children or, with its adult-only events, give you a well-deserved break away.
Running from the 3rd to 6th July, the Hastings Beer and Music Festival at The Oval does what it says on the tin. The festival’s ale tent has a vibrant range of beers which you can enjoy while listening to local bands perform on the main stage. Although the festival is strictly 18-plus, children accompanied by an adult can enjoy the Wednesday cinema night.
Saturday (6th July) is the festival’s real highlight though; known as ‘The Headliners of Headliners’, the day features a jam-packed musical line-up running from midday until late, as well as plenty of beer and cocktails. And, with our 99, 100, 1066 and 349 bus routes all serving the Oval festival ground, no one has to be the designated driver.
If you’re still after that festival feel, The Oval has you covered for even more live music over the summer months.
The Hastings Reggae Festival on the 27th July boasts world-class performers who promise to deliver an extravaganza of Reggae, Dub and Jungle. Starting at noon and ending late, the festival also offers authentic Caribbean food and drink to keep you dancing all night long.
The next day you can continue the party at The Oval by attending their UK Garage by the Sea event. But, if you’re not a music-lover, you can hop on one of our town centre buses to experience the colourful chaos of the Hastings Old Town Pram Race on 7th August. The Pram Race is a pub crawl through the historic centre of Hastings, where teams in fancy dress sporting decorated prams or wheeled floats vie to be the first to check off all the pubs on the ‘racecourse’. Anyone is welcome to register and take part, but many people just like to watch the assortment of extravagant prams pass by and cheer from the sidelines.
The race is part of the Old Town Carnival Week, which culminates in the Grand Parade on Saturday 10th August. The parade starts at Rock a Nore car park then runs along the seafront, before heading up the High Street and across The Bourne back to the start point. With traditional seaside entertainment, dance troupes, charity fundraisers, performing arts groups, and a visit from Miss Hastings herself, the carnival promises to delight visitors of all ages!
Hastings Pride is also holding a summer parade later in the month. On 25th August, a vibrant procession will leave The Stade and work their way along the seafront to The Oval festival ground where the real party starts. Hastings Pride started in 2016 and has only grown in popularity since then. With music, dance, comedy and an incredible sense of community, Hastings Pride is a fantastic celebration of the LGBT community. The founders are committed to keeping the event free, so don’t forget to buy a rainbow flag or some tasty snacks while you’re there to help support them. The Oval is accessible through our 99, 100, 101, 1066 and 349 services, while various points on the parade route are served by our town centre buses.
For those wishing to head a little further afield, Eastbourne Airbourne is returning on 15th to the 18th August. The international airshow is celebrating its 30th anniversary and has already confirmed many spectacular flying displays for this year’s event. On top of this, Airbourne also boasts a family-friendly funfair, flight simulators, a military exhibition, and bandstand entertainment. Stagecoach South East will be sponsoring the event, so make sure to keep an eye out for us!
Since parking near the event can be difficult, hop on our 98 and 99 services from Hastings to enjoy a hassle-free day out. Alternatively, there is also a park and ride service at Five Acres Field, with Stagecoach buses running to and from the airshow site at Cavendish Place.
With a single journey costing just £2, this summer is the perfect time to head to Hastings!
Stagecoach bus, 1066 route. Running from Tunbridge Wells to Hastings