Hastings is warming up for the anniversary of the Battle of Hastings 1066 – 2016 with reenactments, an artsy festival and a new exhibition

Of course Hastings is doing its best to derive some attention from the fact that this year is the 950^th anniversary of the battle in 1066. Thus, come September there will be a series of more or less artsy festivals, reenactements and a new exhibition.

The more modern take on the anniversary is a festival called ROOT 1066 – with the subtitle: 1066 and all that and this and so much more!

Nevertheless, the main event is naturally a large re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings 1066 in October complete with hosts of re-enactors, and people engaged in medieval living history. The blurb reads that there will be a possibility to enjoy the Norman Cavalry display, watch the chain mail and weaponry makers or take an entertaining look at the Bayeux Tapestry on a washing line! Other options are to marvel at the medieval falconry or discover if you have what it takes to be an archer in battle in the have-a-go archery. It really is claimed to be one of the best family days out in history! Hopefully, the weather will be fine this year. But Wellingtons are probably needed to celebrate the Battle of Hastings 1066 – 2016!

Summer in Hastings 2016

However, England in October may probably not be the best time to visit the region. Summer it is! An English heritage Site, the (presumed) battlefield and the Battle Abbey is accordingly already gearing up for the events of this year. At the centre should be a visit to the atmospheric ruins of William the Conqueror’s famous abbey and stand on the very spot, where King Harold is said to have died. Starting summer 2016 there will be a new special exhibition, roof-top viewing platforms, children’s play, and more. The old gatehouse museum has now been retired and is in the process of being updated, ready for the new summer exhibition. Real medieval nerds will of course also wish to see the suggested locations for the battlefield of Hastings, of which there are several, and take part in the fun of making educated guesses

Win a stay for two at the Swan – a Tudor House in Hastings

Having spent the day exploring the sights, the suggested venue is Swan House, built in 1490 and offering a cosy B & B stay in the lovely old town of Hastings with its Swan House is nestled in the heart of peaceful, yet bustling, Hastings Old Town with its eclectic mix of antique and junk shops, quirky art galleries, unique jewellers and second hand book shops. The Swan offers a delightful breakfast with lots of homemade delicacies. The original Swan House was a public house built in 1523, which was gutted in a bomb-raid in 1943. The site is now a memorial garden dedicated to those lost in the bombing. The “new” swan House is located not far from the old one.