The 14th October sees the anniversary of the Battle of Hastings. 2018 finding us 952 years on, since the bloody battle and the demise of King Harold. As with every year, Hastleons commemorated in style.

A fabulous week long party, with activities for everyone. Starting with the opening ceremony in Queens Square close to the Town Hall.

Across the first weekend, the open space at the Stade, hosted a two day classic car and motorbike show. This year, unlike 2017, the sun shone and the rain stayed away, so the crowds were out in force. The proud exhibitors, lovingly polishing the paintwork of their pride and joys 🚘🚗, popping the bonnets open showing off the gleaming engines.

There are lots of guided walks around our historic old town, by day and spooky ghost walks, by night. 👻 I took my own 2 1/2 mile walk along our lovely prom from St Leonard’s to the Old Town with girlfriends. We stopped at the lifeboat station and found a position on the harbour arm, as Hastings brand spanking new lifeboat was arriving at its new station.

It was escorted in by the outgoing boat, who’s 29 year long service has come to an end. The new Shannon giving an impressive display of its speed and turning ability in front of a huge cheering crowd, which had spilled onto the beach. The crews happy, flossing on deck and waving to the onlookers.

 

We enjoyed the show from amongst the crowd on the harbour arm, all jostling for the best view, before retiring for a cup of tea, and heading back for our returning 2 1/2 miles along the prom.

We also celebrated Oktoberfest at the start of the week dressing up in our Dirndl & Leiderhosen and downing copiuos amounts of beer and cider “hic”.

A few of the local restaurants still offered the traditional Hastings Week deal of two meals for £10.66. There were fewer restaurants offering the deal this year, and the menus are very limited, both of which are understandable. However, we visited the New Inn, Westfield who were still participating. Had a table in the lovely conservatory and a fabulous evening with the besties. I think the organisers may need to find a new idea next year as £10.66 for two meals is not really sustainable.

The week also saw Hastings hosting the National Town Criers competition. Oyez 🔔 oyez 🔔

The second weekend hosted by Hastings Borough Bonfire Society, invites members of Sussex Bonfire Societies to parade through the town in costume, carrying effigies and torches aloft. The procession wends its way from Hastings seafront through the town centre on to the old town and finishing at the bonfire pile on the beach. The bonfire as is tradition lit by the Bonfire Boys tossing their torches onto the pyre.

Fully ablaze, signalled the start of the grand finale, firework display. This year commemorated the 100 years of the RAF and was a fabulous show. The streets were lined with revellers enjoying the spectacle.

The sky was alight with a multitude of colours and the sound of whistles and bangs as the fireworks exploded filled the senses.

The party continued late into the night, music resonating in the pubs, happy crowds spilling out onto the streets, celebrating the anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.

Those still standing in the morning could head out to Battle Abbey  to watch the annual re-enactment of the famous battle, complete with horses and troops in period costume, brandishing their bows and arrows

Another fabulous week long party, commemorating the history of our beautiful town, with our ancient castle, built not long after the Norman victory, keeping an ever protective eye over us.

                                    🍺  Cheers Hastings 🍺