In tough financial times it’s great to see councils continuing to back the arts as an important – indeed, some would say, vital – part of the local economy.
So the announcement from Hastings Borough Council that they will be bringing the free Stade Saturday programme back between June and October 2018 is a welcome one indeed.
2017 really celebrated local talent, with all the concerts showcasing musicians from the immediate area, and there were some great partnership events that involved Active Hastings’ 1066 Cycling Festival, Coastal Currents, Journeys Dance Festival, and the Lantern Society. The Coasters Touring Network were also part of the year’s entertainment, providing half the funding for five quality street arts performances, which were among the most popular and well-attended of the summer.
Even the inclement summer weather didn’t keep away the crowds – as the show from Skinny Lister proved, as hundreds braved the rain for their headlne show.
Cllr Kim Forward, Hastings’ lead member for culture, said: “We are delighted to be able to provide this programme of wonderful varied events again in 2018. These free outdoor performances and concerts are much loved by residents and visitors alike, helping bring our community together and our seafront alive.”
To see (and hear) the quality of what’s been on offer in the past check out La Dinamo Funky Bike Band (video courtesy of Kevin Burchett from his immense video collection of everything Hastings)