Ahoy Hastings! Lightning Fibre Sets Sail as Main Sponsorfor the Pirate Festival Weekend 2025
It’s time to grab your pirate hat and mark your calendars – because Pirate Day is evolving! What began as a one-day celebration is now proudly becoming the Hastings Pirate Festival, with a full weekend of pirate-themed fun and festivities on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July 2025.
And we’re thrilled to announce that Lightning Fibre is once again the main sponsor of this much-loved community event, set in theheart of Hastings Old Town, centred around The Stade.
From Record-Breaking Pirates to Full Festival Fun
With Hastings’ rich coastal history – think fishing fleets, smugglers’ caves, and tall tales of the sea – it’s no wonder Pirate Day hasbecome one of the town’s best-known and best-loved events. In fact, Hastings holds the official Guinness World Record for the Largest Gathering ofPirates, proving just how wholeheartedly the community embraces its nautical spirit.
Now reimagined as a Pirate Festival, the weekend promises more entertainment than ever, with something for all ages and a lively, inclusive atmosphere that’s totally free to enjoy (fancy dress encouraged!).
What’s On: Pirate Festival Weekend Highlights
Here’s a taste of what you can expect over the weekend:
🦜 Saturday 19th July –Family Fun & Pirate Ball
From mid-morning, the Old Town will come alive with family-friendly pirate activities, street performers, themed games, music, and more.
Then, for those looking to continue the adventure into the evening, don’t miss the Official Pirate Ball Fundraiser, taking place at the East Hastings Sea Angling Association. Expect great music, dancing, and plenty of rum – tickets are available now via Skiddle.
🏴☠️ Sunday 20th July –Grand Pirate Procession & Festival Arena
The highlight of Sunday’s events is the Grand Pirate Procession, which sets sail at 12 noon from Robertson Street, marching proudly through the town to The Stade.
From 12pm onwards, the main festival arena at The Stade will be in full swing, with market stalls, live music, entertainment and all things pirate-related. It’s a great day out for families, friends, and anyone looking to enjoy a unique seaside festival experience.
Lightning Fibre – Proud to Support Local Legends
We’re incredibly proud to be main sponsor of the Hastings Pirate Festival for the fourth year in a row. At Lightning Fibre, we care about the communities we serve – not just through our fast, reliable broadband network, but by investing in our towns and supporting the events that bring people together.
Anton Burton, Event Manager and Co-Organiser, said:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have Lightning Fibre on board once again as our main sponsor. Their continued support over the years has helped us grow Pirate Day into the amazing Pirate Festival it is becoming – a real highlight of the Hastings summer calendar.”
Rob Reaks, Chief Commercial Officer at Lightning Fibre, added:
“The Pirate Festival has become a real mainstay in the Hastings calendar. The effort local people and visitors put into their pirate costumes is incredible – it’s a joy to be part of it. We’re proud to support this brilliant community event once again and can’t wait to see what 2025 brings.”
A Little About Us
Lightning Fibre is a local, independent full fibre broadband provider, proudly connecting homes and businesses across East Sussex with hyperfast, future-proof internet.
If you’d like to know whether we’re available in your area, simply do a postcode check on our website, give us a call on 01323380260 (8am–8pm daily), or visit our friendly team at our Eastbourne shop in the Enterprise Shopping Centre (9am–5pm, Mon–Fri). If you're a business exploring connectivity options, drop us a line at business@lightningfibre.co.uk.
So come and join the fun! Whether you're sailing into Hastings for the first time or you're a proud local pirate, we look forward to seeing you at the Pirate Festival Weekend – Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July2025.
Photo Credit: Sara-Louise Bowrey
