Thousands set to celebrate theharvest of the sea at big festival

Thousands are expected to enjoy the two-day event, which takes place on the Stade Open Space a stone’s throw from the sea.

Food producers from the 1066 area and further afield in Sussex will be offering samples of their food and drink, while people can explore the best local restaurants have to offer with taster plates available.

There will be over 30 stalls to explore.

Entertainment will be provided with a varied line-up of live music in a giant marquee.

There will be a selection of locally brewed real ales on offer as well as local wine and cider.

A festival highlight this year will be cooking demonstrations by celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli.

Cllr Dawn Poole, the council’s lead member for regeneration commented: “Once again this promises to be a mouth-watering weekend of delicious seafood and wine with stallholders making use of extensive local produce.

“There will be superb live music and street entertainment right through the weekend with the popular jazz breakfast on Sunday and cooking demonstrations given by celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, a real coup for visitors to the festival.

“Jean-Christophe Novelli will be appearing at the festival on both Saturday and Sunday to deliver six very special cooking demonstrations using local fish and produce and there will be time for a Q&A session after each demonstration.”

Coinciding with the festival, at the adjacent Jerwood Gallery, is an exhibition of around 1,000 pieces of artwork by local primary school project.

Businesses in the Old Town and across Hastings will join in the festival spirit by offering special menus and there will be street entertainment taking place around the Old Town, including performances by Mad Jacks Morris and visiting Morris sides.

Visitors should also keep a look-out for pirates around the festival site and the Old Town.

Musical highlights over the weekend include Stax of Motown, closing the day on Sunday with a non-stop cavalcade of the very best Stax and Motown classics, delivered by an 11 piece band.

The Hastings Fiddle Choir and the Hastings Old Town Ukulele Group will also be performing over the weekend on the Stade Open Space.

Stalls are open from 11am - 6pm each day and the music tent is open until 6pm.

For more information on the festival visit www.hastingsfestivals.com/seafood.

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