Hastings hosts seafood and wine festival

The Hastings Seafood and Wine festival is set for a fourth successful year this September. Winner of ‘Flavour of the South East’ category in the Tourism South East ExSellence awards 2008, this year’s event is set to attract an estimated 50,000 visitors over the weekend.

Hastings is home to the largest beach launched fishing fleet in Europe and its sustainable fishing methods have been recognised by the Marine Stewardship Council. Tents and marquees will host many local seafood and wine related businesses from the town and surrounding area. The latest restaurant to open, from the stable of the owners of Rye's Fish Cafe, is Webbe's at Rockanore, ideally situated a stone's throw from where the boats land their catch.

Visitors can join in the festivities taking place in the atmospheric Old Town next to the ‘Stade’, the picturesque fishing beach, wander from stall to stall to try locally landed fish of varying types, and learn how to match fish with local wine. The weekend is full of surprises and events happening in many places: jazz breakfasts, street entertainment, ‘Dancing with Dabs’ fish procession, live music tent, themed talks, cookery demonstrations by local chefs and restaurateurs.

Hastings fisher folk will be present throughout the weekend to demonstrate the art of crab dressing and net making and to share their knowledge about fishing from years gone by to the present day methods.

With a wealth of great quality accommodation on offer throughout Hastings & St Leonards, treat yourself to an end of summer weekend away - after all, you’re a long time in winter clothes.

For a preview of what you can expect, go to visit1066country.com/hastings/events/seafoodfestival/