Here’s the programme for this year’s much-awaited Herring Fair down at The Stade
Saturday 18 November
11.15am to 11.45am
The Sean Fennessy Duo
Marquee Stage
Sean gets the festival started with great vocals and a superb selection of songs and melodies.
12noon to 1.30pm / 2pm to 3pm
Billingsgate cooking demo
Classroom on the Coast
Join CJ Jackson (of Masterchef and Sunday Brunch fame) as she souses, rolls, sours and smokes the silver darlings. You’ll get to taste everything, and take home a pack of herrings and recipes.
Tickets: adult £15.50 / child £8, available from Hastings Tourist Information Centre (01424 451111).
12.15pm to 1pm
The Kimberleys
Marquee Stage
Well-established figures in English folk circles, The Kimberleys are in town this weekend for the Hastings Fleadh, a celebration of traditional Irish music. Bold and imaginative arrangements that stay true to the traditional heart of the material.
1.15pm to 2pm
Stone Junction
Marquee Stage
This acoustic trio play an eclectic mix of transatlantic, contemporary and original folk. Three-part harmonies with guitars, mandolin, banjo, accordion and whistles.
2.15pm to 2.45pm
Now & Then
Marquee Stage
Pure vocal harmony heaven, with four vocalists and not an instrument in sight.
3pm to 4pm
The Martin Blackman Trio
Marquee Stage
This local trio cover songs by artists such as The Stones, Springsteen, The Eagles and Tom Petty. A laid back, easy-listening end to the afternoon.
Sunday 19th November
11.15am to 12noon
Now & Then
Marquee Stage
The folky foursome are back for another session of vocal harmony heaven.
12noon to 12.30pm
Herring Celebration
Fishermen’s stalls
A Herring Fair tradition. Join Hastings’ fishermen and friends as they have their nets blessed and celebrate the local catch. Now & Then will lead a sing-around of ‘Shoals of Herring’.
1pm to 2pm
Thai House cooking demo
Classroom on the Coast
With popular restaurants in St Leonards and Rye, The Thai House is known for its delicious and authentic food. Watch Chef Petch cook up one of his most popular dishes – with tasters of course! FREE
12.45pm to 1.30pm
Milton Hide
Marquee Stage
Jim and Josie Tipler’s voices blend with a rare warmth, enhancing their mix of excellent original songwriting, traditional folk songs and eclectic covers.
1.45 to 2.45pm
The Salts
Marquee Stage
A long-awaited return to Hastings, The Salts deliver sea shanties with attitude! Great instrumentalists producing wonderful four-part harmonies.
2.30pm to 3.30pm
Wild Feast cooking demo
Classroom on the Coast
Local foraging tutor Sarah Watson of Wild Feast will show you how to prepare a delicious dish of herring pickled in spiced crab apple vinegar. Come and have a taste! FREE
3.15pm to 4.45pm
The Sugarloaf Band
Marquee Stage
Time to push back the chairs and get your knees up for a traditional ceilidh dance in celebration of our wonderful Hastings fishing fleet and a good haul of herring.