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Kathleen Soriano appointed interim director of Hastings Contemporary

HOT’S Judy Parkinson heard the hot news while she was contemplating some immortal apples and eternal eggs in Hastings Contemporary. Kathleen Soriano will become the interim director of Hastings Contemporary, taking up her new role in January 2025.

Kathleen Soriano, an independent curator, strategic consultant and broadcaster, will take over from Liz Gilmore, who is stepping down from her role after 14 years to become CEO of The Sherborne, a new landmark gallery and arts space in the Dorset town of the same name. Soriano is chair of the Liverpool Biennial, Continue reading…

Cuckoo Hill decision overturned by Planning Inspector

In June 2024 Hastings Borough Council’s Planning Committee of HBC showed how tough they were in refusing planning permission for a door and window in St Michael’s Place, before going on to approve fake-olde plastic wobbly lampposts for Hastings Pier. The first decision has been reassessed, with unsurprising results. Bernard McGinley reports.

All the fun of the Christmas fair at the Alexandra Park greenhouse

CHRISTMAS carols helped a seasonal fair go with a swing when a choir entertained visitors at the Alexandra Park Greenhouse community hub, an event which raised more than £670. Report by Lynda Foy, photos by Colin Foy.

Plan to house asylum seekers at Northeye scrapped

The government has scrapped its predecessor’s plan to turn the former Northeye prison in Bexhill into accommodation for asylum seekers and will instead sell the site. Under Suella Braverman the Home Office paid more than twice as much for the site as the previous owner only a year before. Text by Nick Terdre, research by Russell Hall.

Official: Hastings is the ‘Grinch capital’ of the UK!

A new study reveals UK cities with the least interest in Christmas, and Hastings proves to be head and shoulders above them all as the Grinchiest and least Christmas-loving. The Grinch list is a motley crew of rich and poor places to live. Erica Smith pulls on her Santa hat and sets off to investigate the stats.

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Claude Cahun at the Electric Palace

This Sunday (15 December), Susan de Muth is launching a new translation of writings by the remarkable surrealist Claude Cahun with readings and a special film screening at the Electric Palace. Erica Smith looks forward to finding out more about a woman who was challenging gender norms through her art a century ago.

‘Standing Up For Nature’ – Community meetings to discuss housing crisis

On Sunday 1 December, I went along to the first ‘Standing Up For Nature’ discussion group where approximately 40 people shared their views on housing needs, nature conservation and the new HBC local plan. Dee Williams reports.

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The White Rock Theatre facade at dusk

White Rock Theatre – ‘Non User’ survey

Have you been to the White Rock Theatre, Hastings in the last 2 years? If not, the new venue operator, The Guildhall Trust, would like to hear from you and there’s a chance to win 2 tickets to a show of your choice!

Liz Gilmore, director of Hastings Contemporary, to stand down after 14 years

HOT’s Judy Parkinson spoke to Liz Gilmore about her decision to move on after 14 years at the helm of Hastings Contemporary to become CEO at The Sherborne, a new landmark gallery in the eponymous Dorset town, in March 2025. In Hastings she established the gallery’s reputation nationally as a leading innovator of artistic interpretation and engagement.

HBC website brought down by cyber attack again

Hastings Borough Council’s main website was put out of operation on Thursday 5 December, by a repeat attack from the same pro Russia hacktivist group which brought it down temporarily in late October. Nick Terdre reports, research by Russell Hall.

The end of our Alley Way Learning programme is here and it’s time to celebrate!

Alley Way Learning is coming to the end of its three month pilot offering accessible learning to the local community. HOT’s Erica Smith, who is also part of the Alley Way Learning steering group, invites you to the wrap-up party next Tuesday, 10 December from 1–4pm at the Observer Building.

The Unthanks winter concert at White Rock Theatre this Friday

Erica Smith was excited to learn that The Unthanks are bringing wintery songs to Hastings on Friday 6 December. The perfect way to conjure up the Yuletide vibe.

Destination Hastings for the Baton of Hope

The Baton of Hope, a campaign aimed at engaging people on the taboo topic of suicide, is coming to Hastings as part of its second national tour in Autumn 2025. Chris Connelley sets the scene…

Carols for all with Hastings Philharmonic Choir

Hastings Philharmonic Choir present their annual Carols For All concert on Saturday 14 December at the beautiful Victorian Christ Church in Silchester Road, St Leonards-on-Sea starting at 5pm. It will be the culmination of a successful year, says press officer Gareth Simpson, who also has advance information on the choir’s offering for 2025.

Museum event to mark UN’s day of disabled people

To mark UN International Day of Disabled People on Tuesday 3 December, local disabled activists have organised an event at Hastings museum with short talks, spoken word performances and refreshments, as they explain.

The Frost Fair through JJ Waller’s eyes

If you had sharp eyes, you might have spotted photographer JJ Waller as he documented the folk of St Leonards enjoying Saturday’s Frost Fair. The sky was overcast, but that didn’t stop the streets of St Leonards from shimmering with frosty whites and multi-colours.