Rites of Spring in Hastings

The May Day weekend sees Hastings’ major Spring party, a unique and happy mix of pagan revival and biker culture.

The four day event is attended by Morris dancers from all over the country and is a lifesaver for the breweries: one suspects that the closing processional route is determined by the location of pubs on the way. But any red noses get greened before they get very far, and the mood is decidedly mellow.

The climactic wild, gorgeously costumed procession from the fishing centre at Rock a Nore through the town and up to the Castle is headed by the gigantic, slightly sinister symbolic figure of Jack in the Green — “one of the most bizarre in Britain.” Frequent stops for beer and morris dancing displays are interspersed with Hastings’ trademark drumming from the unseasonal Bonfire Boys. And finally after a long day of Morris dancing on the Castle Green, the Jack is ritually dismembered.

As a complete contrast and relief from all the oldie folkie stuff, for this long weekend Hastings also hosts a massive meet-up of bikers. The town and sea front are transformed, every space filled with bikes on display ranging from the sleek to the contraptionous Mad Max specimens, while the low, sexy throb of bike engines fills the air.  Again, though the black leathers may look very macho the mood is mellow and genial, with the Carlisle pub at its social centre.

There’s music throughout from some of the best local and surrounding area bands, more drinking, sun, historic and social events, a showing somewhere or other of The Wicker Man, fantastic artistry in the costumes and fun for all ages.

The parade begins at 9.45 on the Bank holiday Monday setting off from the Fisherman’s Huts in Rock-a-Nore Road in the Old Town. Full weekend events will be posted!

So come on down, be merry and enjoy this unique combination of festivities. A new route may confuse some: see the link for a map, and we hope to give an estimate of the best times to catch the Jack on his way up to the Castle. www.facebook.com/photo.php

Photos Steve Hardy www.against-the-dark.org

Also in: One Long Party