Celebrate Hastings Pride’s big 10th anniversary on Sunday 30 August with a free parade and a seaside festival that mixes 90s R&B, drag brilliance and local favourites , a community-first line-up that keeps the event open to everyone and promises a loud, proud party at The Oval.

Essential Takeaways

  • When and where: Hastings Pride Parade through the town centre, then the main festival at The Oval on Sunday 30 August 2026.
  • Headline acts: 90s R&B group Honeyz and drag star Drag With No Name lead an eclectic bill.
  • Local flavour: Festival favourites The Fabulous Red Diesel, Doctor Woof and Mama Tasty join the line-up for a community feel.
  • Free for all: Organisers have kept the festival free since the start to ensure accessibility and inclusivity.
  • Vibe: Expect singalong pop, theatrical drag and family-friendly street atmosphere with food and stalls.

Opening hook: why this anniversary feels different Hastings Pride reaching a decade is more than a round number , it’s a visible sign of how an event that began small can become a town-wide celebration, and it’ll smell like chips and festival sunscreen with music drifting across The Oval. According to organisers, keeping the day free has always been non-negotiable, and that principle shapes everything from the parade route to the choice of acts.

Backstory: how Hastings Pride grew into a free festival Started with community energy and grassroots drives, Hastings Pride has steadily layered bigger acts onto local talent while refusing to charge entry. Natasha Scott, director of Hastings Pride CIC, says the free model opens doors and breaks down barriers , people who might never otherwise meet are brought together, she adds, creating a safer, more visible space for LGBTQ+ life in Sussex.

Line-up highlights: Honeyz, Drag With No Name and local heroes The booking of Honeyz taps into a 90s R&B nostalgia that’s easy to imagine drawing singalongs , songs like Finally Found still land on festival playlists. Meanwhile, Drag With No Name (DWNN) brings a theatrical headline presence, and the inclusion of bands such as The Fabulous Red Diesel, Doctor Woof and Mama Tasty keeps the festival rooted in local taste. It’s a neat mix that balances star appeal with community warmth.

Why free admission matters , accessibility and atmosphere Removing ticket barriers isn’t just a PR line; it changes who shows up and how the day feels. A free festival invites families, low-income attendees and casual passers-by to stay and celebrate, which can make the parade and field feel more spontaneous and inclusive. If you’re planning to go, bring a folding chair, cash for food stalls, and an open smile.

Practical plans and what to expect on the day The parade will snake through Hastings town centre before the crowd arrives at The Oval for the main stage, where acts perform across the afternoon and early evening. Expect food vendors, stallholders and accessible facilities , and check the Hastings Pride website for updates on timetable and volunteer opportunities. Arrive early if you want a spot near the stage or to catch the full parade route.

Reaction and outlook: a decade acknowledged, the future bright Organisers are talking about this anniversary as a chance to amplify the festival’s founding ethos rather than change it. That means bigger names may appear, but the core promise , free, town-wide celebration , stays. For locals and visitors alike, it’s an invitation to be part of a tradition that’s both celebratory and civic.

It's a small change that can make every celebration feel more inclusive.

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