Coastal Currents set for launch

CREATIVE juices are starting to flow as organisers put the finishing touches to the town's arts festival.

This year's Coastal Currents kicks off next weekend and the month-long arts extravaganza features the usual array of exhibitions, talks and events designed to appeal to the whole community.

With dozens of artists taking part, the festival reflects the breath and scope of the local talent and reinforces the reputation of 1066 Country as a hotbed of creativity.

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For the second year running, Creative Coast is overseeing the festival, and co-organiser Sarah Yates admits to a few nerves as the opening part draws ever nearer.

"I am anxious that it will go ok but it is very exciting as well. It's just about spreading the word now.

"There are so many things going on across the whole month and we have made a real effort to engage everyone. There is more diversity, and more projects in public areas under the Place project, where we asked 25 artists to research and respond to the site they were given.

"The are lots of interesting bulildings here with interesting stories and the idea is to encourage people to explore the town through the festival."

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Illustrator Catherine Grimaldi has designed a special children's pack which Sarah and her partner Lorna Crabbe hope will make the festival more family friendly.

"The family pack takes people round the work in a fun and engaging way and we hope that will broaden the festival's appeal.

"But there is so much going on, with more performance, more theatre and more music this year alongside the visual arts. I hope people will look beyond the cover and see that there is something for everyone, even on a rainy day."

The children's packs are available free throughout the festival, from either the Hastings Information Centre or the festival headquarters at the old House of Hastings shop, Queens Road.

For more information visit www.coastalcurrents.org.uk.