Finley de Witt Workshop on writing for healing Monday 15th September 11.30 - 1.00 (As Part of Hastings Book Festival Fringe) 12 places available £15 to include a copy of Lovebroken AND any coffee tea, hot chocolate or any soft drink Research shows that writing thoughtfully about difficult experiences can create greater resilience and improved immune function, as well as a range of other benefits (Greater Good Science Center, et al).  This warmhearted workshop is for anyone who'd like to write to support their well-being, or who wants to tackle difficult personal subjects in aconstructive way. The session will explore what works and what toavoid when writing for health and healing, plus ways to get started and how to support your writing process. Suitable for those writing for themselves as well as anyone interested in memoir/life writing or simply wanting to bring more personal aspects into their work. Finley de Witt (they/them) is a writer and trauma specialist. Their memoir, Lovebroken, about recovery from repressed childhood trauma was published in January 2024 and has been featured in US neuropsychologist Rick Hanson's "Wise Brain Bulletin", in Cambridge University news and on the PTSD UK website. Finley has worked as an editor for fiction writers and […]

Monday 15th September 7 - 9 The Bexhill Quills will be reading some of their short stories to amuse and entertain. £10 evening ticket includes a pint of beer, 175ml glass of wine, a Prosecco, a Single House Spirit & Mixer, or a soft drink (including coffee / tea)

Writer’s Cafe - Tuesday 16th and Thursday 18th September 3 - 5pm (As Part of Hastings Book Festival Fringe) Come and write with us! A co-working club and writing snug every Tue & Thu, 3-5 pm, at Barnaby's Bar. Two hours quiet working - set your intention - make progress on your projects then join us for a drink downstairs. It's free, but please register as space is limited.  https://lu.ma/WritersCafe

Journaling for Writers Workshop 12 places available. £5 morning ticket includes any coffee tea, hot chocolate or any soft drink Journaling isn’t just for wellbeing. It can help you get unstuck, poke into your work in progress and revitalise your mindset about your writing project. This workshop offers timed journaling exercises to have you thinking afresh about your work. Suitable for anyone in the thick of a writing project!

Thursday 18th September 11 - 1 Join horror author Melanie Atkinson (‘The Last Night In Amsterdam’, ‘The Woods Are Full of Eels’ and ‘Our Lives Are Full of Spectres’) for a workshop on writing the modern ghost story. This workshop is an opportunity for anyone who wants to write their own ghost story, even if they have never written before. Instead of the classic ghost stories of the previous century, such as ‘The Woman In Black’ and ‘The Haunting of Hill House’, this workshop will focus on more modern elements of this traditional genre. There will be discussions about the main themes and tropes of ghost stories and then an opportunity to begin writing your own piece with writing exercises to take place within the workshop. Please note this may involve reading examples of your work, so this should be something you would be comfortable doing. This workshop hopes to allow writers, from beginners to those more experienced, a chance to experiment with the genre. £5 morning ticket includes any coffee tea, hot chocolate or any soft drink

Writer’s Cafe - Thursday 18th September 3 - 5pm (As Part of Hastings Book Festival Fringe) Come and write with us! A co-working club and writing snug every Tue & Thu, 3-5 pm, at Barnaby's Bar. Two hours quiet working - set your intention - make progress on your projects then join us for a drink downstairs. It's free, but please register as space is limited.  https://lu.ma/WritersCafe

Hyphae Collective warmly invite poets, musicians and singers to experiment and collaborate with our house band - let's see what magic we can weave together. Bring your instruments and your words; whether they be your own, someone else's or, even better, improvised! The jam is on the third Thursday of each month at 7pm, at Barnaby's Jazz Bar in Hastings. It's free and unticketed (though tips are welcomed). The building is wheelchair accessible, but the toilets are not. This is a queer and trans friendly event - everyone is welcome. Poster hand drawn by @Sekinue Next date : Thursday 16 October

Tickets on Sale Now About the Event The first-ever Hastings Jazz Festival is a one-day celebration of world-class jazz right in the heart of Hastings. Featuring a dynamic lineup of local heroes, rising stars, and internationally acclaimed artists, the festival brings the town centre to life with music across multiple venues. From classic swing to boundary-pushing improvisation, this is a chance to experience the full spectrum of jazz — up close, all in one day, and all within walking distance. Come discover the soul of jazz by the sea. Ticket Types 🎷 Birdland Pass – £75 / £45 (Early Bird)  Available from May 28th – This is your all-access priority pass. Birdland holders get first entry to every show across all festival venues. While seating isn’t reserved, this pass gives you front-of-the-line access — so you’re always ahead of the crowd. 🎺 Vanguard Pass – £45 / £25 (Early Bird) Available from June 15th – The Vanguard Pass gives you access to every venue and performance throughout the day — as long as there’s space. It’s the best value for jazz lovers planning to catch multiple acts, with the flexibility to roam from venue to venue. Entry is first-come, first-served after Birdland Pass holders are in. 🎟 Individual Show Tickets Subject […]

An Evening of Swingin' Jump Blues & Retro R 'n' B