A total of 14,231 pirates gathered on Pelham Beach, Hastings

The Pirate Queen: (1530 -1603)  Grace O'Malley, famous Irish sea pirate of the 16th century. (Her fame became so great that Queen Elizabeth 1 summoned her to London in order to meet her. The Broadway Show 'The Pirate Queen' was based on her life.)  She was just one of many pirates who helped Hastings regain the record so cruelly snatched from them by Penzance.

She may be Irish, but she looks Pre-Raphaelite - particularly appropriate for Hastings, which Pre-Raphaelite painters such as Holman Hunt, William and Dante Gabriel Rosetti and Edward Lear loved, for its light and diverse scenery.


At the end of the festivities yesterday, thousands of people gathered to watch a magnificent and moving display by the Red Arrows.

Another Glorious Day!

Tuesday 24th July - Woodland & Park

Walk from The Ridge through St Helen's Park, including woods, arboretum and meadows.  Home through Alexandra Park with maybe a stop for drinks and cake.


Bus No. 28 from Bus Stop N (I think!) opposite W H Smith, 10 o'clock - on the hour, so don't miss it!  Meet at 9.55, or on bus, or if you take another route - top of St Helen's Park Road, on The Ridge at about 10.25.


We than walk down through the woods and park.


And if you have come from elsewhere for Pirates Day and are staying on, please join us if you would like too.  (Or even if you haven't come for Pirates Day - you are still very welcome!)

To contact the photographer, please call Matt Stabeler +44 (0) 7800 853513, or email photos atoldtowncarnivalweek.co.uk

Another walk of interest

For those who are in Hastings for Olympic Torch day and who are looking for other activities, don't miss the Old Hastings Preservation Society guided walk on Tuesday 17th July, starting at the top of the West Hill Lift, by the cafe, at 2.30pm.

The walk proceeds gently downhill and around the Old Town, taking about 90 minutes.

Just turn up, the walk is free,though donations to the charity are welcome.