Hastings Pride.

About Hastings Pride

Hastings Pride is a free seaside celebration with a parade along the seafront and a festival on The Oval, a grassy park on Bohemia Road. It is run by Hastings Pride CIC, a not-for-profit community interest company. The team says its governing documents commit it to keeping the event free, so that cost never stops anyone coming.

2026 was the tenth anniversary, as the event began in 2016. Expect a local, friendly day with a big main stage, community stalls, fairground rides and a cabaret tent. Pride began as protest and the fight for equal rights, and the parade through the town keeps that visibility at its heart.

When and where

Hastings Pride 2026 took place on Sunday 30 August 2026. The organiser’s homepage now thanks everyone for “making 2026 such an amazing day” and has opened anonymous feedback and a 2026 photo gallery. The festival was at The Oval, Bohemia Road, Hastings TN34 1EU.

The organiser’s 2026 site map gave event timings of 12pm to 8pm. The council leader’s column said the official opening was at noon. The main stage programme closed at 7.55pm.

No date for 2027 has been announced. The organiser’s Pride 2026 page invites people to join its new Pride Portal to hear when 2027 sign-ups open. Check the homepage and social channels before booking anything you cannot cancel.

Hastings Pride march route and start time

In 2026 the parade formed up at The Stade Open Space in the Old Town from 10am and set off at 11am. The organiser’s route map shows it heading west along the seafront, then turning inland to The Oval. Marchers were due to arrive at about 11.45am, in time for the noon opening. The council’s column described the same route.

The organiser banned all national flags from the 2026 parade, as PinkNews reported in June. The committee wanted the march filled with Pride flags, banners and community symbols instead. The same rule applied on the festival site. Parade sign-ups for 2026 have now closed.

Where to watch

The seafront promenade gives the longest stretch for watching, with room to stand back from the road. The Stade suits anyone who wants to see the parade gather. If you would rather go straight to the festival, watch the arrival near The Oval. These are suggestions based on the route, not marked viewing areas.

Hastings Pride free events and what’s on

Entry was free in 2026, as it has been since the start. The main stage ran from opening speeches at noon to a headline set by Honeyz at 7.10pm. Drag With No Name, Step Into Elton, The Fabulous Red Diesel, Doctor Woof and Mama Tasty were also on the bill.

The site map also listed a community tent with children’s activities from 12pm to 5pm and cabaret from 5pm to 8pm. There were food traders, a Pride market, community and wellbeing stalls, rides and a classic car display. Sponsored community tables with seating had sold out.

The Pride Bar was run by the organiser, with profits going back into the event. It took cash and card and operated Challenge 25. Only physical driving licences, passports and PASS cards were accepted as ID. Children under 14 had to be with a responsible adult. Parents could register children at the main office for a wristband.

You could bring a picnic and soft drinks, but not alcohol, glass or metal cutlery. Bags could be searched on entry. Portable speakers, air horns, gazebos and tents were also on the prohibited list.

Hastings Pride travel and road closures

Hastings station is the main rail arrival point, managed by Southeastern. We have not found a source giving the walking distance to The Oval, so check a map before you set off. Allow extra time if you are heading to the parade start at The Stade, which is in the Old Town to the east.

The organiser’s map said parking was available in the car park before the entrance to The Oval. The council’s column mentioned some Blue Badge parking on site. We did not find a published list of road closures for the parade, or a dated Pride bus service. Expect the seafront to be busy while the parade passes.

The festival finished at 8pm in 2026. Check your last train and any connection on National Rail Enquiries on the day, and save the journey before you leave the site.

Where to stay

A seafront room puts you on the parade route and within reach of both the Old Town and The Oval. St Leonards-on-Sea, just to the west, is another option. Book with free cancellation until the 2027 date is confirmed.

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Accessibility

The organiser’s access page says there is a moderate incline at the entrance to The Oval. After that the grassy site is mostly flat, though uneven in places. Shade is limited. Site staff will help you get in, out and around, so ask any of them.

The 2026 site had accessible toilets and gender-neutral cubicles. We found no Changing Places toilet listed for The Oval, and National Rail lists none at Hastings station. A trainee BSL interpreter covered speeches and introductions on the main stage in 2026. We did not find a quiet space or dedicated viewing area.

For the parade, the organiser offered a limited number of free coach seats, provided by Stagecoach and 247. The coaches were not adapted and could not take motorised chairs. Passengers needed to manage a few steps and be at The Stade by 10.15am. Medication was always allowed if easy to identify.

Hastings station is step-free to all platforms, with lifts, accessible toilets and staff help. For event questions, use the contact form on the organiser’s website or email contact@hastingspride.org.uk.

Frequently asked questions

More Pride planning

Compare dates in the Pride calendar or browse the regional guide. Along the coast, our Brighton Pride guide covers one of the UK’s biggest Pride weekends.

If this is your first time, read our first Pride guide, and use the packing guide for a seaside day out.