Bonfire to close Hastings Week with a bang

The torchlit procession and huge bonfire of the beach have become the highlight of Hastings Week.

Events have been taking place throughout the week as the town marks the anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.

Saturday will see bonfire societies from across the county descending on Hastings for the annual celebrations.

The procession starts from White Rock at 7.15pm, moving down Robertson Street for a ceremony at the America Ground then following a route along the seafront, through the Old Town and back to the bonfire site on the beach opposite Pelham Crescent.

The bonfire will be lit at 9pm and followed by the blowing up of this year’s effigy and a spectacular fireworks display.

Earlier in the day, on Saturday, people can enjoy the 69th national Town Criers Competition, which takes place at Butlers Gap, in George Street, at 11am and is hosted by Hastings Town Crier Jon Bartholomew.

Enthusiasts of classic and vintage motorcycles should head to the Stade on Saturday where bike show takes place from 10am – 2.30pm.

Hastings Week winds down on Sunday 16, with vintage commercial vehicles taking part in the 13th Sprat and Winkle Run, at the Stade, from 10am – 4pm.

The Hastings Week closing ceremony takes place on Sunday 16 at 4pm at St Clements Church in Hastings Old Town.

All money collected during the bonfire procession on Saturday goes to local charities so please give generously. Bonfire programmes are available from shops and pubs throughout the town and buying one helps the Society to keep going.

Bonfire chairman Heather Leech said: Please respect safety barriers and do not pick up discarded torches. keep children with you at all times and ear protection is recommended. Please don’t bring pets. They may be frightened. Make sure you avoid leaving litters. The Society wants to keep the beach and town clean.”