Hastings Old Town Carnival Week

Get ready for a 9 day celebration across Hastings Old Town, running from Saturday 1st to Sunday 9th August, all raising money for local charities.

HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING:

Nearly on the Beach Concert (Sat 1st – Sun 2nd August)
A free, family-friendly music festival on the Stade Open Space, kicking things off from midday.

Tug O’ War Competition (Sat 1st August)
Head to the Lifeboat House on the Stade from 10 am, for a morning of friendly rivalry.

Jimmy Read Memorial Bike Race (Tues 4th August)
An annual race up the steepest street in the Old Town. The rule is you can’t lift off the saddle

The Old Town Pram Race (Wed 5th August)
Fancy dress teams racing decorated prams between the Old Town pubs. From The Cutter at 7pm.

Grand Carnival Parade & Fireworks (Sat 8th August)
Floats and marching bands leaving Rock-a-Nore car park at 5pm, with fireworks from the castle at dusk, around 8.30pm.

And that’s just the headline events – there’s plenty more happening in hastings across the week, from historical walks to street parties. Search “carnival” on our site to see our picks or click here for the full listing.

ABOUT OLD TOWN CARNIVAL WEEK

It’s one of the events for Old Town Carnival Week, running from Saturday 1st to Sunday 9th August. Started by volunteers all the way back in 1968, the carnival has grown into a beloved week of events for locals and visitors alike, with everything from pram racing and treasure trails to live music and street parties, all building up to the Grand Carnival Procession, and all supporting local charities along the way.