May festivals in 1066 Country
With a growing reputation for celebrating in style, 1066 Country kicks off its programme of annual festivals with a bang in May.
Jack in the Green Festival, Hastings, May 1 – 3 2010
To witness first hand that Morris dancing is alive and jingling, the annual Jack in the Green Festival, Hastings is the place to be during Bank Holiday weekend at the beginning of May. The weekend’s non-stop festivities culminate on the 3 May in a colourful procession of dance, music, and fire-eating through the picturesque Old Town of Hastings. The Jack is released from the Fishermens’ Museum and, accompanied by his Bogies and the Giants, he processes up to Hastings Castle where the Jack is slain and the spirit of Summer is released.
Tulip Festival, Pashley Manor Gardens 23 April – 3 May 2010
Now in its sixteenth year, this vibrant festival gives visitors the chance to lose themselves among the 20,000 blooms gracing this quintessential English Garden. Such is the popularity of the festival that for the fifth year running the event will run for eleven consecutive days instead of the original five. Held in association with Bloms Bulbs, winner of 59 gold medals at Chelsea.
St Clements Church 150th anniversary celebrations, last week in May 2010
Where Dante Gabriel Rossetti married his pre-Raphaelite ‘super model’ Elizabeth Siddal on May 23rd 1860, this beautiful church in the picturesque heart of Hastings Old Town commemorates its 150th anniversary at the end of May, taking the works of this great pre-Raphaelite artists as their main focus for the celebrations. She may not have been ‘size zero’, but Siddal was so frail on the day of the wedding that she had to be carried to the church, despite it being a five minute walk from where they were staying. Rossetti was so grateful that he donated a painting which remains to this day in the church. The whole Old Town community will participate in this celebration, with works from talented local artists on display alongside Rossetti’s works.
Battle Medieval Fair, 30 – 31 May 2010
The historic town of Battle bursts into life when the Battle Medieval Fair rolls into town. Watch jugglers and ‘Hands on History’ displays, listen to story tellers and medieval musicians on the Abbey Green, in the shadow of the imposing Battle Abbey.
RX Wildlife & Culture Festival 29 May – 6 June 2010
A week of family outdoor and wetland activities, exhibitions and guided walks, many of which are free. A great way to discover the coast of East Sussex and Kent, from Hastings Country Park and Rye Harbour Nature Reserve to Camber and Romney Marsh.
This packed week of events includes sand sculpting, pond dipping, shrimping, beginners birdwatching, guided cycle tours and a study day centred on the Royal Military Canal. Something for all ages and interests.
For more information, visit: visit1066country.com