When it comes to festivals, Hastings doesn’t mess around. It’s why we love this town and Saturday 27th of July 2024 is taking things to a whole new level with what can only be described as “Super Saturday”. From the first bite at Burger Jam to the last dance at Queer on the Pier’s Beach Ball, Hastings (and Bexhill) is your playground. Here’s a rundown of these must-visit festivals happening around town this Saturday:

Burger Jam

Burger Jam
The Yard Waterworks Road.
Entry is free! Bands on from midday.

Kicking off the festivities is the highly anticipated Burger Jam, organised by local legends Rory and Matt at Half Man Half Burger. Now in its third year, this completely free event has a lineup of the hottest breakthrough bands around right now including the brilliant HotWax. Burger Jam takes over The Yard on Waterworks Road with mouth-watering gourmet burgers, a family area, bowling, coffee, craft beer and cocktail bars, and a massive stage.

Photos: BurgerJam 2023 by Steve Painter

Queer On The Pier

Tickets: Queer on the Pier
Hastings Pier: Gates open at 12pm, shows start at 2pm -10pm
Beach Ball: 9pm-4am White Rock Theatre

Right next to the waves, Queer on the Pier is bringing 14 hours of queer festival fun to Hastings’ iconic pier and White Rock Theatre. The views out to sea are spectacular and it promises to be a day filled with fun and fabulousness. Brainchild of long-standing LGBTQ+ club promoter and event organiser Wayne Shires, having worked with the London Pride organisation for ten years and branching out with his Summer Rites Festival, this year’s line up for the 5th Queer on the Pier is one of the best yet. Headline acts include the iconic Lady Bunny one of the legendary and ubiquitous New York City drag queens, while Horse Meat Disco headline the Beach Ball after party at The White Rock Theatre that goes until 4am!

Photo: Heather Duster, Queer on the Pier 2023 by JJ Waller

Photo: Heather Duster, Queer on the Pier 2023 by JJ Waller

Photos by Rafe Eddington and stage photo Peter Haldane


Trans Pride

Trans Pride Hastings
7pm til late
The Observer Building

In a display of solidarity and celebration, Trans Pride Hastings is a cornerstone for the local LGBTQ+ community and allies, providing a safe space to celebrate identity, diversity and love. After a hugely successful first year in 2023, winning Gaydio Pride Awards’ Grassroots Pride of the Year, Trans Pride Hastings’ organisers Victoria and Zed’s main event takes place on “Super Saturday” with the Big Queer Party and Trans Pride Fest on Sunday afternoon. See full festival details over on the Trans Pride Website.

Photos: Trans Pride Hastings

JackoFest

Tickets: JackoFest
De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill:  2pm – 10.30pm

In celebration of the beautiful young life of Jackson Peacock — ‘Jacko’ to his mates — who tragically died in an accident on 20 September 2023, JackoFest grew, phoenix-like out of a party his family had already planned – a *centenary* celebrating his mum’s 60th, his brother’s 18th and the fact that when Jackson’s turned 22 this year, the three of them would = 💯

After Jackson died, the Centenary was of course shelved… however, out of its embers grew JackoFest – inspired by Jackson’s brother and J’s amazing friends.

On the Pavilion’s stunning south lawns, an incredible line of artists will take to the stage, reflecting Jacko’s broad taste in music: Nerina Pallot, Mica Paris, Songer, Erin Bloomer, Jack Valero, Theo Sawyer, DJ Jon Carter and more. Whether or not you knew Jacko, you’re invited to join his family and friends to celebrate his life the way he would have loved — while raising funds for charities helping bereaved parents and siblings.

Photo of De La Warr Pavilion lawn: @abbey808

Hastings Reggae Festival

Hastings Reggae Festival
The Oval, Hastings

Finally, join in a soulful journey through the heart and soul of Reggae, Dub, and Jungle at the annual Hastings Reggae Festival at The Oval in Hastings. The lineup for this year’s Festival boasts a mix of reggae royalty and contemporary stars, including headliner Tarrus Riley, Maxi Priest, Wayne Wonder, Aswad, Mad Professor, Jungle legend General Levy, Channel One Soundsystem, and Iration Steppas. With such an impressive lineup and plenty of delicious Caribbean food, the festival guarantees an unforgettable day of music, unity and positive vibrations.

Photo: Hastings Reggae Fest

Plan Your Super Saturday

With so many fantastic events happening “Super Saturday” is shaping up to be an unforgettable day of love and community, food and of course, music. So, grab your friends, family, and festival spirit and get ready for the very best of what Hastings (and Bexhill) has to offer. See you there!