Hastings Fat Tuesday 2027

Hastings Fat Tuesday returns from Friday 5 to Tuesday 9 February 2027, five days of music spread across pubs, bars and venues in Hastings and St Leonards. It's billed as the UK's largest Mardi Gras celebration and a showcase of the town's music scene, with most of the gigs free. The whole thing builds towards the Fat Tuesday finale on 21 February, a free night of music across Hastings Old Town that's launched the careers of Nova Twins, Green Tea Peng and Kid Kapichi.

The weekend is built around two distinct tours. The Saturday Unplugged Tour sees acts playing short sets across a string of venues with no PAs, so it's stripped-back and acoustic. The Tuesday Tour is the full-band version, with PA and backline. Between the two, you can move from one venue to the next and catch several different acts in a single afternoon or evening.

It's not just about the gigs. An umbrella parade of costumed paraders and a rainbow fan runs alongside the music, and the finale on Shrove Tuesday itself is when the Old Town really comes alive. The night ends with the REGGAE ROOM Party at The East Hastings Sea Angling Association and the infamous AFTER PARTY at The Brass, with live music from the Hot Drop and late-night DJs. The 2027 edition is billed as 'bigger, bolder and brassier than ever'.

Most of the gigs are free, so you can drift between venues without spending much. The main festival runs from Friday 5 to Tuesday 9 February, with the Fat Tuesday finale on 21 February.