Hastings Fringe Launch (l-r), Project Coordinator Steve Scott; Artistic Director Heather Alexander; Deputy Mayor Nigel Sinden; and patrons Dave Brown and Doon Mackichan

Patrons Doon Mackichan and Dave Brown launch Hastings Fringe

The third annual Hastings Fringe was launched last Thursday (31 August) in the Old Town to an audience of over a hundred with an evening of al fresco entertainment, reports Miranda Gavin.

Dr Savage and his musical ensemble kicked off the parade-style event with stilt-walker Dolly Delicious and the Town Crier, before speeches from the festival’s artistic director, Heather Alexander, its patrons—comedian and actress, Doon Mackichan (Smack the Pony) and comedian, Dave Brown (The Mighty Boosh)—and the Deputy Mayor, Nigel Sinden.

Hastings resident, Mackichan, using a megaphone to give her speech, declared the month-long arts festival officially open: “From its humble beginnings as a one-woman show to three years later—90 shows, 200 participants, and over 13 venues—the Hastings Fringe Festival is nothing short of exponential! This grassroots festival seeks to put theatre and performance into the thriving creative mix of what already exists in our unique town. We have a vibrant music scene, so let’s get more people attending live theatre and performance, in all its guises. I am proud to be patron of something I see as exciting and full of possibility. Three years old! There is magic in new beginnings!”

Dr Savage takes to the streets for Hastings Fringe launch

Performances included local choirs, The Acapella Bellas and Las Pasionarias, and a traditional Punch and Judy show giving a taste of some of the events taking place around Hastings and St Leonards throughout the month.

Visit Hastings Fringe Festival for details of all the events.

Also in: Arts News