Fish Festival nets big crowds

The Stade Open Space was packed over the weekend as people turned out in force to celebrate the local fishing industry and sample the harvest of the sea,
Hastings Herring Fair 2016. SUS-160511-144644001Hastings Herring Fair 2016. SUS-160511-144644001
Hastings Herring Fair 2016. SUS-160511-144644001

Despite the chilly weather, this year’s Herring Fair was busier than ever. Visitors were able to sample fresh and locally smoked herring and a variety of other dishes, washed down with locally produced wine, beer and cider.

The festival was opened, on Saturday, by Mayor Judy Rogers and council leader Peter Chowney.

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People also had the opportunity to improve their cooking skills with the famous Billingsgate Seafood Training School delivering cookery classes in the Classroom on the Coast, while local forager Sara Watson gave demonstrations.

Hastings Herring Fair 2016. SUS-160511-144946001Hastings Herring Fair 2016. SUS-160511-144946001
Hastings Herring Fair 2016. SUS-160511-144946001

Live music had a nautical theme with live acts including RX Shanty Men, Cut the Mustard and harmony group Now and Then. Local ceilidh band Sugar Loaf brought the festival to a close on Sunday afternoon with a lively barn dance.

It was the fifth year of the Herring Festival, which is organised by Hastings Borough Council and funded by the Coastal Communities Fund,

Cllr Kim Forward the council’s lead member for marketing, said: “The aim of the festival is to promote the local herring industry and showcase the versatile herring which is so abundant at this time of year.”

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Hastings Herring Fair 2016. SUS-160511-144657001Hastings Herring Fair 2016. SUS-160511-144657001
Hastings Herring Fair 2016. SUS-160511-144657001

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Hastings Herring Fair 2016. SUS-160511-145026001Hastings Herring Fair 2016. SUS-160511-145026001
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