The historic town of Hastings has been described as the south coast's best kept secret. The town combines natural beauty with an exciting cultural centre and close knit student community.
- It is around ten years since Hastings was awarded £38 million in regeneration funding by the government. The University of Brighton’s story in Hastings since then is one of achievement and success which has made a local impact with national recognition.
- Our campus is at the heart of the extensive regeneration programme that is ensuring that Hastings realises its full potential as a highly desirable place to live, study, work and visit.
- John Logie Baird transmitted the first television image from Hastings. Visit the Logie Baird exhibition at Hastings Museum.
- Whether you are new to the area or you are already based here, make the most of student discounts and free events. With many things to do and see all year round, make the town your campus.
- Great gigs and music, numerous cafes, bars, clubs and restaurants.
- Hastings has a wide range of sporting facilities from recreation grounds and tennis courts to fishing facilities and a skate park.
- Enjoy the surrounding area – as well as the beach and the sea there are also country walks and cycling across the South Downs.
- Shopping to suit everyone, from Priory Meadow with its high street shops, to Hastings Old Town which has a unique blend of independent shops supplying everything from vintage and collectibles to organic food.
- Although smaller than its more famous neighbour, Brighton, Hastings has a lot to offer, with many year-round activities and annual festivals.
The beach at Hastings
Events throughout the year
Autumn / winter term
The Battle of Hastings in 1066 is celebrated each year by Hastings Week - a week-long celebration of art, music, sport, events and exhibitions. The highlight of the week is the Hastings Bonfire and fireworks display.
Hastings, the spiritual home of British crazy golf, hosts the World Crazy Golf Championships each year. It also plays host to the Hastings International Chess Congress each year.
The Hastings Storytelling Festival celebrates the oral tradition of storytelling where the performance is as important as the work itself.
Get into the Christmas spirit with the Ice Rink in Priory Meadows. With snow showers, festive lighting and Christmas songs!
Spring term
Now in its thirteenth year, Hastings Beatles Day celebrates all things Beatles with over ten hours of music from the Beatles' back catalogue performed live by over 300 of the area's top musicians, singers and dancers.
Famous for scallop fishing, Rye celebrates the humble scallop with Rye Bay Scallop Week - a series of live music events, quizzes and gastro delights.
See 1066 countryside with the Hastings Half Marathon. The route goes round the ancient town of Hastings and follows the route of William the Conqueror towards Battle.
Summer term
May Day celebrations with Jack-in-the-Green, a foliage-covered character, who leads a procession of Morris dancers, giants and drummers through the town. Join 58,000 motorbike enthusiasts and 15,000 bikes for the annual May Day Bike Run by the sea. There's also the Historic Vehicle Rally, where military vehicles will drive to Hastings.
Hastings Old Town Carnival Week has a range of events including a free beach concert, a town criers competition, exhibitions and lots of other events. The highlight is Pirate Day, where in 2012, over 14,000 pirates gathered on the beach to claim the world record of the most pirates in one place. Aaaar me mateys.
Coastal Currents showcases a wide range of arts exhibitions, performances and events throughout Hastings, St Leonards and Rother. Hastings' cultural activity has attracted considerable attention over recent years, with works by Banksy and Ben Eine proving popular. One of the top 50 small festivals in Britain, the Rye Arts Festival provides a diverse mixture of musical, literary and theatrical events.
Hastings Beer & Music Festival is a two-day festival featuring over 90 real ales, lagers, local ciders, wine, local food, and the best local musicians. Previous headline acts have included Keane. Live music and street entertainment accompany the annual Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival. Take part in the Battle Scarecrow Festival Trail by building the best scarecrow from recycled material.
