Hastings Pier

Hastings Victorian pier pictured in 2010 before the fire

Built in 1872 Hastings Pier is one of the town's most popular attractions.

Or at least it was until a suspected arson attack in 2010 which destroyed all but one building on the structure.

The attraction has remained closed to the public ever since.

However, thanks to the work of tireless campaigners, donors, and the Heritage Lottery Fund sufficient funds have been raised to secure the pier's future.

Hastings Borough Council now own the pier following a compulsory purchase order obtained against former owners Ravenclaw Investments.

Work has commenced on rebuilding the pier. It is expected to be completed in Spring 2016.

The iconic single building which survived the fire is expected to be incorporated into the finished structure.

Immediately after the fire in 2010. Hastings piers embers litter the beach

The building pictured is all that survived the Hastings pier fire

Motorbikes in May

On Bank Holiday Monday in May (the one the Government wants to scrap) many thousands of motorcycle riders make their way to Hastings.

Every year, on this day, the whole of the seafront is taken over by motorbikes. Whole car parks, pavements and even the centre of wide roads are used for parking the vehicles.

Pubs , restaurants and other businesses rely on the income generated from these annual faithful visitors. Many more pople are attracted into the town by the spectacle of all these bikes, all of which are pristine in condition.

For photographers who like taking pictures of 2 wheeled vehicles it is a dream come true with bikes of every make , model and every colour under the sun.

May Day, Morris Dancing and The May Queen

The May Bank Holiday weekend is a vital time for the Hastings economy.

The crowning of the new May Queen, Morris dancers, children dancing around the maypole aren't the full story. There is also the annual Jack-in-the-Green parade together with the events leading to the 'slaying' of the Jack. Also thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts descend on the town for what has become a long-standing Bank Holiday Monday tradition.

At the time of writing this (2011) the current Government is debating scrapping the May public holiday in favour for a new date in the Autumn. There seems to be no logic to the reasoning behind this and Hastings would be one of many towns who will lose millions of pounds financially by scrapping a traditional celebration.

However I hope that tradition is maintained and I hope you enjoy the pictures and video from these events. Although it happens over the same weekend I am splitting this important holiday into three parts.

This entry is to celebrate the crowning of the new May Queen with Maypole dancing and Morris dancers. Elsewhere in the menu you will find the link for Jack-In-The-Green and also for Motorbikes in May.

So assuming the Government has a rethink on abolishing the May Bank holiday hopefully generations to come will enjoy the variety of entertainment that is available in Hastings over this important weekend.

Incidentally parts 2 and 3 of this video can be found on the player at the bottom of the page