Saturday 17 October 2026 Hastings Seafront & Old Town
One of Hastings’ biggest and most spectacular annual events returns this October, as Hastings Borough Bonfire Society brings its famous torchlit procession, bonfire and firework display to the town.
On Saturday 17 October 2026, thousands of spectators are expected to gather along Hastings seafront and throughout the Old Town for an evening filled with flaming torches, drummers, traditional bonfire societies, a huge beach bonfire and a spectacular firework finale.
A Hastings tradition
Hastings Bonfire is one of the highlights of the Sussex bonfire season, bringing together visiting bonfire societies, drumming groups and performers for an atmospheric procession through the streets of the town.
The main torchlit procession is expected to begin at around 7:15pm from the seafront end of Robertson Street. From there, the procession makes its way through Hastings and the historic Old Town, travelling along Marine Parade, East Parade, East Beach Street and Rock-a-Nore Road, before continuing through All Saints Street and High Street.
The procession eventually returns to the seafront, where hundreds of flaming torches are carried onto the beach.
At approximately 9:00pm, the traditional bonfire prayers are said before the huge bonfire is lit. The evening culminates at around 9:15pm with the grand firework display over the beach and the burning of the year’s secret effigy.
Make a day of it in Hastings Old Town
If you’re visiting Hastings for Bonfire Night, why not arrive earlier and spend some time exploring the historic Old Town and seafront?
The Shipwreck Museum on Rock-a-Nore Road will be open from 10:30am until 5:00pm, giving visitors the opportunity to discover centuries of Hastings’ maritime history before the evening’s celebrations begin.
Admission to the Museum is free, with displays featuring fascinating artefacts recovered from historic shipwrecks in the English Channel, including the 18th-century Dutch East Indiaman Amsterdam and the 17th-century warship Anne, as well as fossils and other discoveries from the local coastline.
Hastings Bonfire 2026 – key times
Date: Saturday 17 October 2026 Junior Procession: approximately 5:30pm Main Torchlit Procession: approximately 7:15pm Bonfire: approximately 9:00pm Grand Firework Display: approximately 9:15pm Admission: Free – donations to Hastings Borough Bonfire Society are encouraged
Please remember that timings are approximate and may change depending on weather and circumstances on the night.
The event can be extremely busy and includes naked flames, loud bangs and fireworks. Visitors are advised to allow plenty of time for travel, follow instructions from event marshals and keep a safe distance from the procession. Road closures will also be in operation during the evening.
Come and experience one of Hastings’ great traditions – an unforgettable evening of fire, light, history and celebration in the heart of the Old Town.