Town swinging for Fat Tuesday Festival

There were also a fair number of spectators who turned out to enjoy the atmosphere of one of the most colourful and atmospheric events of the annual Fat Tuesday Festival.

The parade left the Old Town led by the charismatic Doc Savage and the New Orleans style Second Line Band.

Taking part in the family friendly event were local drumming group Sambalanca and people wearing masks and carrying exotic decorated umbrellas. Later in the day people were able to enjoy live music performances in a variety of town centre venues.

The Umbrella Parade followed on from a day of music on Saturday when 40 diverse acts played 15 minute sets in Old Town pubs and restaurants, adding up to 200 performances. It included everything from rock, brass, folk and a classical recorder group.

The festival continued on Monday with Slim Monday, which features talented Hastings musician King Size Slim.

The main event, on Fat Tuesday itself, involves top bands and performers playing sets at Old Town Venues, followed by a big after-party at the Brass Monkey in town.

From its conception in 2009, Hastings Fat Tuesday has become the largest Mardi Gras celebration in the UK, benefiting and drawing from the incredibly diverse and well-developed music scene locally to become one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the town’s cultural calendar.

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