Pearl Olsen - Sustainability and Self-care for Writers. Friday 19th September 11 - 1 (part of Hastings Book Festival Fringe) As writers, we act as conduits of creative energy. How do we ensure that the source remains plentiful and the channel free of obstruction? We are fine-tune instruments that have to be looked after — but who is the curator? You! How can we ensure the flow of ideas, concepts, scenarios, emotions, memories — the myriad topics we cover in our writing? This workshop will look at practical techniques for energising our craft whilst protecting our precious selves. This workshop is for all writers whether of prose or poetry; fiction or non-fiction; published or earlier in that journey. And people who are considering trying the art, but have reservations about what it might entail. It will be a space for personal reflection, meeting in commonality and hopefully, support — an allocated time all writers need. It will be led by Pearl Olsen, author and poet. Pearl has experience in counselling and has one novel published and two more under construction; plus various collections of poetry, not yet published. Maximum number 20 participants. £5 morning ticket includes any coffee tea, hot […]

Friday 19th September 4 - 5 pm (as part of Hastings Book Festival Fringe) "Patrick knew he wanted to be a storyteller from the age of six, when he discovered that a rich interior life was a lot more fun than everyday life. He studied English Literature at St. Catharine's College Cambridge and in his timehas worked as an actor and theatre director, producer, drama lecturer, workshop leader and playwright. His theatre work has taken him to America, France, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and Colombia, as well as theatres and festivals throughout the UK and Ireland. He performs two solo shows, including the award-winning adaptation of The Life and Times of Archy and Mehitabel. Patrick also worked as a tour guide all around Ireland for over twenty years and, somewhere along those winding Irish roads, Bogboy was born. This is a true story in everything but the detail." Patrick will be interviewed by Jake Arnott, with a Q&A to follow. £5 ticket includes any coffee tea, hot chocolate or any soft drink

John Hegley Workshop - Writing, Drawing and Drawing out the Creative. Saturday 20th September 11- 1. (20 places). Part of Hastings Book Festival Fringe. A series of longtime-tested and original exercises, with the opportunity to share your creations with the group, in a session which can open doors to further writing and experiment. There is a light-hearted ambiance, respectful of the variety of attitudes and aptitudes of those who come along, and some drawing as well. You should be stretched a bit, surprised a bit - and entertained.  No experience required, just a minimum of 16 years of experiences. There will be mandolin accompaniment to the activity and possibly biscuits. £20 event ticket includes any coffee tea, hot chocolate or any soft drink Hopscotch by Robert Bermingham and Richard Robinson Photo by Neil Walker, SVA

Sioux Bradshaw - Poetry workshop - Saturday 20th September 3 - 5 pm (as part of Hastings Book Festival Fringe) Poetry Workshop  – Lost and Found Finding Inspiration in found, thrown away words Find the words for your next masterpiece on the thrown away paper around you – the pizza menu, parking ticket, magazine article or wash care instruction. This fun workshop will make poetry from the mundane. We’ll re-purpose Found Print to make something new and surprising. If you’ve ever wondered where you’ll find your inspiration, this is the workshop for you. All materials will be provided. Be prepared to become a Poetry Ninja. Suitable for young writers or beginners. £5 morning ticket includes any coffee, tea, hot chocolate or any soft drink  

Colin Brush – Trainer at Penguin Books – Pitching Non-Fiction Writer Boot Camp Sunday 21st September 10 – 12.  (12 places available – this course requires participants to bring along a lap top or iPad which can be connected by wifi). Telling True Stores: How to pitch and sell non-fiction After a quarter-century of copywriting as well as blurb-writing training at Penguin Books and well over 5,000 book blurbs on the shelves, Colin Brush offers a non-fiction copywriting workshop to help you pitch your project on the page to agents, editors and readers. Whether you're having trouble with a title or subtitle, want to improve your elevator pitch, or want to understand the basics of blurb structure, Colin will provide examples, tips, hacks, inspiration and exercises to help improve your craft. Includes: Pitching your book in a line. Figuring out your audience and what they really want. Know your opportunities and your pitch's tensions. Figure out your hook. Discover the opening types and three classic blurb/pitch structures to tell a story £5 morning ticket includes any coffee tea, hot chocolate or any soft drink

Folk, country, world music. Mostly originals, sung by Amber Leafe. Sneak preview video clip :)  

Silver Hill are a four piece Hastings based band, renowned for playing a fine collection of refreshing original songs, together with a sprinkling of re-imagined cover versions. For a first time appearance at Barnaby's, they will be appearing as an acoustic duo, comprising Mike Delpeache (Vocals / Guitar) and Harry O'Sullivan (Guitar / Backing Vocals). Expect high passion, high energy and a unique acoustic experience

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 […]

Lorraine Bowen at Custard Caravan Celebrity of the cabaret and cult comedy circuits, Lorraine Bowen brings her Casio-fuelled musical mayhem to Hastings. Expect witty earworms, offbeat glamour, and irresistible audience participation from Britain’s most brilliantly bonkers songwriter All donations go to the artists Thursday 9 October 7.00pm

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

Not just blues and rock music. Get ready to crank it up with Route 259, your go-to blues rock band bringing the heat with a gritty mix of classic blues, hard-driving rock, and a splash of funky groove! We’re just a bunch of passionate musicians who live to jam, rework, and electrify some of the greatest blues rock songs ever written—always adding our own twist. Whether it's guitar solos, soulful vocals, or tight rhythm jams, we’re here to light up your speakers and share the pure joy we get from making music together. Subscribe and join us for live blues rock performances, funk-infused rock covers, and good times with Route 259! instagram.com/route259_official