Herring fair rescheduled for late-running fish

Hastings Herring Fair, now in its sixth edition, has been put back to the weekend of 18 and 19 November to accommodate the late-running fish, the council reports.

“The Hastings Herring Fair is always a great event and we’re pleased to once again be celebrating this versatile fish,” said Cllr Kim Forward, lead member for regeneration and culture. “Hopefully the herring will be abundant and punctual this year – we’ve moved the festival slightly later into November after they didn’t quite arrive on time last year.”

As usual the fair will be held under cover on the Stade Open Space. Throughout both days there will be 20 stalls offering mouth-watering fish dishes, vegetarian options and local wine, together with a beer festival run by the First in Last Out (Filo) public house.

There will also be plenty of entertainment and activities to engage visitors. On the stage there will be non-stop live music with a folky flavour, including shanty singers, bands and a ceilidh dance.

Bloaters – whole cold-smoked herring.

In the fishermen’s area you’ll be able to try your hand at traditional skills such as net-making, witness the annual blessing of the nets at 12 noon on Sunday and find out about local marine archaeology.

And in Stade Hall there will be face-painting and free craft activities for children.

You will also be able to hone your culinary skills. On the Saturday you can sign up for the cookery classes given by the famous Billingsgate Seafood Training School in the Classroom on the Coast, Cllr Forward says. Here you will learn how to souse, roll, sour and smoke herrings, with plenty of tastings of course, and you’ll get a pack of fish and recipes to try at home.

On the Sunday there will be free demos by St Leonards restaurant The Thai House and local foraging expert Sarah Watson of Wild Feast.

Hastings Herring Fair Stade Open Space, Rock-a-Nore, Hastings TN34 3AR, Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November, 11am-4pm. Entrance free.

Billingsgate cookery classes cost £15.50 for adults and £8 for children. Tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre in Muriel Matters House, Breeds Place, Hastings TN34 3UY (tel 01424 451111). Classes start at 12 noon and 2pm and last for 90 minutes.

Also in: Food & Drink