Main image: The Stratford Lyon by Beccy McCray, Photography by Mark Thomas

Coastal Currents is back. The month-long festival is an annual celebration of arts and culture across the region starts on 31 August, and marks the 25th anniversary of the festival. With the jam-packed calendar of events, its clear Coastal Currents remains a cornerstone of the arts scene in Hastings and St Leonards.

And the best part? The festival is completely FREE! At a time when accessible cultural events are more important than ever, Coastal Currents offers an incredible opportunity to escape the everyday and immerse yourself in thought-provoking, uplifting, and stimulating art. This festival is not just about showcasing talent; it’s about celebrating the unique spirit of the our community and the creativity that thrives here.

Coastal Currents spans the entire month of September, offering a diverse range of activities across the region. Whether you’re interested in hands-on workshops, live outdoor performances, or thought-provoking exhibitions, there’s something for everyone. The Open Studios are a particular highlight, allowing you to explore the spaces where local artists create their work, engage in conversations, and even purchase unique pieces directly from the makers. These studios will be open on the weekends of 31 August & 1 September and 7 & 8 September, providing an intimate look into the creative process.

Russian artist Daria Fisher by photographer Toby Shaw

This year’s festival also features several standout events and exhibitions. One of the highlights is the West Street Weekender, curated by artist Megan Donfrancesco Reddy, which celebrates the quirky, industrial vibe of West Street in Hastings Old Town. The weekend will feature a live street performance by Bristol-based contemporary dancer Trash Dollys on 31 August and a suspended performance by Russian artist Daria Fisher on 1 September, both of which promise to be unforgettable experiences.

Running throughout the festival are two exhibitions that should not be missed. SHOW OFF, curated by Sharon Wylde and Rowan Corkill, is an outdoor exhibition that brings art into the public realm with a series of posters celebrating the diverse work of local artists. Meanwhile, COLLAPSE, at the Observer Building, offers a poignant exploration of a world under pressure, with works made from found and repurposed materials, capturing the raw and fractured state of our natural and material worlds.

Other must-see shows include In Every Shadow at The blackShed Gallery in Robertsbridge, curated by Lorna Ough, which explores the symbol of The Green Man and its various interpretations. And over at the Electro Studios Project Space in St Leonards, MAKING STRANGE by Colin Booth will be open on weekends in September, offering visitors a chance to engage with Booth’s unique artistic vision.

Coastal Currents 2024 isn’t just about established artists; it’s also about nurturing the next generation. This year’s festival includes free opportunities for young people, such as a Stylophone workshop on 22 September, and community projects like the creation of a new sculpture inspired by local children and led by artist Leigh Dyer.

Festival Director Tina Morris emphasizes the importance of community participation:

“We are really grateful that we can help facilitate high-quality community projects with local artists and musicians producing free accessible public art to lift everyone’s spirits. We know how important the arts are to our happiness, connectedness, and wellbeing. So in that spirit, go visit the Open Studios, attend events, and help us to show how much creativity means to our community, which in turn will help us support artists through footfall, purchases, audiences, commissions, and digital presence. Helping keep this festival going requires you all to do your bit and attend all these free events. That’s all!”

So mark your calendars and get ready to dive into the rich cultural landscape of Hastings and St Leonards. Coastal Currents 2024 is more than just a festival—it’s a celebration of the creativity and community that makes our region so special.

For more information and the full festival program, download the Coastal Currents Arts Festival brochure here and visit coastalcurrents.org.uk.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram at @coastalcurrentsfestival for all the latest updates!