Discover cultural, traditional and country events in Hastings and Sussex, celebrating local heritage, seasonal traditions and community festivals. From historic celebrations and annual favourites to country fairs and rural shows, these events showcase the rich culture and character of the Sussex coast and countryside.
AboutHastings Pirate Day is one of the most popular annual events in Hastings, attracting thousands of visitors to the historic Old Town and seafront each summer. For one weekend, pirates of all ages take over the town, creating a lively atmosphere with colourful costumes, live music, family entertainment and themed activities. Guinness World
AboutThe Winchelsea Secret Gardens is an annual National Garden Scheme event that opens 13 private gardens not usually open to the public. Set within the historic Cinque Port town of Winchelsea, visitors can explore cottage gardens, roses, wildlife-friendly planting and historic walled gardens. Held for one day each July, the event raises money for
AboutHastings Old Town Carnival Week takes place every summer in the Old Town of Hastings, East Sussex. August Celebrations in Hastings Old Town The carnival week usually happens during the first week of August. Winkle Island officially opens the celebrations. During the week, organisers host concerts, street parties, charity races and Morris dancing
Monkings Farm
Hastings Road, Horns Cross, East Sussex
AboutRural Past Times Show is one of East Sussex’s most popular countryside events. Held annually at Monkings Farm in Horns Cross, near Hastings and Rye, the show celebrates traditional farming, vintage machinery and rural heritage with a full weekend of family-friendly entertainment. Vintage Tractors, Steam Engines and Rural Heritage Visitors can explore impressive
Western Lawns
King Edward's Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex
AboutThe Eastbourne Airshow (Airbourne) is one of the UK’s biggest free seaside airshows and takes place every August on Eastbourne’s seafront. It attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and ranks among Europe’s largest free aviation events. World-Class Aircraft Displays Over Eastbourne Seafront Over four days, aircraft fill the skies above Eastbourne
AboutExperience one of East Sussex’s much-loved traditional countryside events at the annual Rye & District Country Show. Held at Elm Tree Farm in Icklesham, between Hastings and Rye, this popular family event celebrates rural life with animals, classic vehicles, countryside displays, entertainment and activities for all ages. A Traditional East Sussex Country Show
The Polegrove
Brockley Road, Bexhill-on-sea, East Sussex
AboutThe Bexhill 100 Classic & Custom Car Show takes place each year at Polegrove Recreation Ground in Bexhill-on-Sea. The town earned its place in motoring history as the birthplace of British motor racing in 1902. Celebrating Bexhill’s Motoring Heritage The event celebrates Bexhill’s rich motoring heritage. It showcases an impressive collection of classic
AboutHastings Heritage Open Days 2026 is a free annual event that celebrates the history, culture and architecture of Hastings and St Leonards. As part of England's national Heritage Open Days programme, it gives visitors access to historic buildings, heritage sites and community spaces that are not usually open to the public. The event takes
AboutHastings Week is an annual celebration in the historic town of Hastings. This vibrant event honours the town’s rich history, dating back to 1066 when the famous Battle of Hastings took place. Events run all week, with a massive bonfire and fireworks display on Saturday 17th. Mayor’s Opening Ceremony and Civic Awards The
AboutThe Battle of Hastings Re-enactment returns to Battle Abbey on 10–11 October 2026 to mark the 960th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings. Held on the original 1066 battlefield in Battle, East Sussex, it is one of England's largest historical events. Thousands of visitors travel from across the UK each year to experience the
