PhotoHastings Photography Festival 2026

PhotoHastings 2026 is back for its 16th year, taking over Hastings and St Leonards throughout October. Basically, a local crew of photographers have put together a massive line-up of free contemporary photography showing across town – as well as exhibitions and late-night talks.

Here’s the quick rundown of where you need to be and when:

📷 LIMINAL / MINIMAL / MARGINAL + OPPOSITES & UNSEEN

The Launch: This is the big one to kick things off. They are hosting three exhibitions at once, including Liminal / Minimal / Marginal and Opposites, featuring work from over 60 photographers.

When: 2nd – 4th October & 9th – 12th October (11 am – 5 pm)
Where: Electro Studios Project Space (St Leonards)

📷 FETISH STORIES – GRACE LAU 

The Show: A huge ten-year retrospective diving deep into subcultures.

When: Throughout October (Wed to Fri 1 – 5 pm + Sat 11 am – 5 pm).
Where: Solaris Print (St Leonards)

📷  THE STADE IN 35MM – JON ALLEN

The Show: Gritty local street photography, shot on 35mm around one of Hastings’ most recognisable spots.

When: 4th October to 2nd November (Mon to Fri 8 am – 3 pm + Sat to Sun 9 am – 3 pm)
Where: Good Grades Coffee (Hastings)

📷  COLOURS OF HASTINGS – NICO VROMANS 

The Show: Colours of Hastings by Nico Vromans.

When: 1st to 29th October.
Where: The Crown (Hastings Old Town)

📷  AS ABOVE, SO BELOW  

The Show: Curated by advertising and editorial photographer Tim E. White, this group show dives into the concept of macrocosms versus microcosms.

When: 14th Oct to 25th Oct (Weds to Sun, 11 am – 5 pm)
Where: Hastings Art Forum (St Leonards)

📷 TOM HUNTER, A DIALOGUE

The Show: PhotoHastings members and guest artists respond to A Journey Home by internationally renowned photographer Tom Hunter.

When: 16th to 18th October + 23rd to 25th October 11 am – 5 pm.
Where: Electro Studios Project Space (St Leonards)

Keep an eye out for the regular Photology talk nights and workshops popping up over the festival via their website.