Presentation evening of the Hastings Book Festival 2026 competitions, with judges announcing shortlists and the festival director presenting the poetry awards.
Barnaby's Lounge hosts the Hastings Book Festival Competitions 2026 Presentation Evening on Wednesday 4 November, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. It's the night the festival reveals the winners and shortlisted writers from this year's competitions, which ran across short story, poetry and creative non-fiction. Hundreds of entries came in, so there's a fair bit to get through.
Two of the judges will be there to announce their selections: Sam Davey for creative non-fiction and Robin Pridy for the short story. Festival director Henry Normal will present the poetry awards on behalf of judge John McCullough, who can't make it. The evening is as much about the writers and poets who entered as it is about the winners, and some of them may be invited to read from their work on the night.
Among the prizes are two Sussex Prises—one for a poetry writer and another for a short story writer, both from the county. Each one comes with an independent two-night writing retreat sponsored by Starcroft Farm Cabins.
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Barnaby's Lounge is a relaxed restaurant, cocktail bar and art gallery in the heart of Hastings, set in a characterful Victorian building over two floors with local artists' work on display throughout. Powell's Kitchen serves a full restaurant menu Tuesday to Sunday, alongside crafted cocktails, local beer, coffee and a curated wine list, and the room is available for parties, celebrations and private hire. Admission to the presentation evening is free.
