Charity gains from Beach Concert

Re-named the Nearly on the Beach Concert, to reflect a move to the Stade Open Space, the two day event was enjoyed by hundreds of people who were treated to a top line-up of local bands and performers.

The event launched Old Town Carnival Week this year.

Organiser Jackie Pratt said: “An evening was held at the East Hastings Sea Angling Association on Tuesday September 13 to say Thank You to everyone, including the bands, crew, stewards, collectors and sponsors, without whose generous help we would not have been able to put on this free annual event and to make it such a success.

“It also gave us the opportunity to present the donations to the three charities that we were able to help again this year.”

Hastings RNLI, Pett Level Rescue and Hastings Sea Cadets each received a donation of £2,500.

Jackie said: “We want to keep the charities local and related to “the sea” as keeping with tradition for the concert which has always supported Hastings RNLI.

“We are delighted to be able to announce that after expenses and because of the generosity of sponsors and everyone who gave to the collection that we made a profit of just over £8,000, despite the heavy rain on the Saturday.

“This again means that not only do we have the means to put the event on again next year (approx. costs of just over £5,000) but we can also donate £7,500 to our chosen charities.”

Many local businesses made donations or supplied services or supplies for free, or at cost .

The bar was supplied by the local FILO pub and brewery.

The main supporter this year was St Leonards Motors Nissan along with The Filo, Hannington & Gilbert, Judges Bakery, Alfa Electric Ltd, Trade Paints, Priory Meadow, L & G Optical, Picture Maps, Mike Raxworthy Music, Karma Security, Skinners Sheds and Trade Paints.

This year’s event also saw a varied line-up of children’s entertainment before the bands came on stage, which helped to make it a real family friendly festival.

Jackie said: “The new location on The Stade again proved to be a huge success allowing us to use a professional stage and the running of all the “concessions” on the site by the committee meant that all the profits from these could also go straight to the charity fund.

“Once again we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped towards such an amazing weekend and we look forward to seeing everyone again at next year’s concert.”

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