Battle Medieval Fayre 2026
A two-day medieval festival on Abbey Green over the May bank holiday — fighting knights, fire eaters, jesters and medieval crafts in the heart of 1066 Country.
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What's On in Rye and East Sussex
Rye, Hastings, Battle and the wider East Sussex coast keep a busy calendar of festivals, fairs and one-offs — many of them generations old.
Come for the one event you've been meaning to catch, or stitch a few into a long weekend. Stay at The River Haven Hotel and you're in the heart of historic Rye, with the town's events an easy walk from the door. Hastings, Battle and the rest are a short drive — and with a large car park on site, coming and going is straightforward.
May 2026
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Bexhill FEASTival 2026
Three days of street food, market stalls, ale, cider and live music on the lawns in front of Bexhill's De La Warr Pavilion over the May bank holiday.
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June 2026
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Tenterden Real Ale & Cider Festival 2026
Real ales, ciders, perry and live music on the platforms of the Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden, with steam-train rides on Saturday.
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Summer Solstice Celebrations
A riverside celebration of the longest day of the year — sundowners, summer cocktails and a Beer & Burger deal at The River Haven.
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Peasmarsh Chamber Music Festival 2026
Anthony Marwood and Richard Lester's intimate four-day chamber music festival, in a quiet Norman parish church just outside Rye.
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July 2026
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Spirit of Tenterden Festival 2026
A free three-day community festival of live music, street food, artisan makers and family events on the Tenterden Recreation Ground each July.
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Hastings Pirate Day 2026
A free July weekender of pirate parades, sea shanties and family entertainment across Hastings Old Town and the Stade.
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August 2026
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Rye Pirates & Smugglers Day 2026
A pirate procession, sea shanties, the Smugglers' Market on The Strand and best-dressed competitions take over Rye for one Saturday each August.
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Rye Flower & Veg Show 2026
A traditional summer horticultural show with vegetables, fruit, flowers, baked goods, handicrafts and photography — all judged at the Rye Community Centre.
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Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival 2026
Five days of jazz, blues, soul, roots and Latin music across pubs, halls and street stages in Rye for the August bank holiday weekend.
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Dymchurch Day of Syn 2026
Romney Marsh's biennial homage to Doctor Syn, with smugglers vs redcoats, costumed parades and a beacon-lit weekend over August bank holiday.
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September 2026
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Hastings Seafood, Wine & Music Festival 2026
A weekend of fresh-off-the-boat seafood, Sussex and Kent wines and live music on the Stade — the working fishing beach in Hastings Old Town.
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Rye Arts Festival 2026
Eighteen days of classical music, author talks, drama and film across Rye's churches, theatres and historic venues each September.
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Rye Harvest Wine & Food Fair 2026
Two days of regional wine, beer, spirits and food producers on the Salts in Rye each September.
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October 2026
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The Battle of Hastings Re-enactment 2026
Over 500 re-enactors recreate the 1066 clash on the original battlefield, with Norman and Saxon encampments, falconry, a medieval market and a full staged battle.
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Hastings Bonfire Night 2026
Hastings Borough Bonfire Society's mid-October torchlit procession through the Old Town, ending with a beach bonfire and fireworks.
November 2026
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Rye Bonfire Night 2026
Rye Bonfire Society's torchlit procession through the cobbled streets, with a beach bonfire and fireworks display over the Salts.
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