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 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, marking the 960th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings on the site of the original 1066 battlefield. The annual event offers visitors the opportunity to experience one of the most important events in English history in the setting where it took
AboutHastings Borough Bonfire Society’s Torchlit Procession and Fireworks – Saturday 17th October 2026. Bonfire societies from all over Sussex march through the streets of Hastings in a procession of drums, flares and flaming torchlights. Spectators will see a huge bonfire on the beach, watch the effigy burn and enjoy a spectacular firework display. The
AboutExperience Lewes Bonfire, one of the UK’s most famous Bonfire Night celebrations, held every year on 5 November in the historic East Sussex town of Lewes. Known as the “Bonfire Capital of the World”, this spectacular event features torchlit processions, traditional costumes, fireworks and centuries-old Sussex traditions. A Historic Sussex Bonfire Night Tradition
AboutBattle Bonfire is an annual Sussex Bonfire Night celebration in the historic town of Battle every November. The Battel Bonfire Boyes organise the event, and it is completely free to attend. The event features a large torchlit procession, a traditional bonfire and a spectacular fireworks display. The tradition dates back to 1646, when early
AboutRye Bonfire is one of the most famous Bonfire Night celebrations in Sussex. It attracts thousands of visitors each year. The Rye & District Bonfire Society organises the event. It features a torchlit procession, the town’s famous burning boat ceremony, a large bonfire and a spectacular fireworks display. The event showcases strong Sussex bonfire
AboutThe Christmas Light Tractor Run is an annual festive event bringing a spectacular procession of brightly decorated tractors to Hastings and the surrounding area. Combining Christmas lights, community spirit and charity fundraising, it is a popular event for families and visitors during December. Christmas Tractors in Hastings The procession begins at The Stade
AboutJack in the Green is one of Hastings’ most popular annual events. It ranks among the largest traditional May Day celebrations in the UK. The festival takes place over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend. It transforms Hastings Old Town into a vibrant celebration of music, dancing, folklore and community spirit. Thousands of visitors
Herstmonceux Castle Estate
Herstmonceux Castle, Hailsham, East Sussex
AboutThe Medieval Heritage Weekend at Herstmonceux Castle returns to East Sussex from 1–3 May 2027, bringing three days of medieval history, living-history displays, reenactments and entertainment to the grounds of the historic moated castle. The May Bank Holiday event offers visitors the chance to experience medieval life through combat displays, traditional crafts and historical
