Hidden Beach — Summer of Culture Festival 2026

Hidden Beach Festival returns to The Oval for a full day of music, culture and shared summer energy.

Set in Hastings’ iconic coastal green space, this one-day gathering brings together live music, DJs, creative workshops, a vibrant food market and relaxed social spaces — creating a rich, welcoming festival environment open to all.

From midday into the evening, The Oval becomes a place to dance, listen, explore, eat, meet and celebrate — offering a carefully curated mix of sounds, activities and atmospheres that reflect the diversity and creativity of contemporary culture.

This event sits at the heart of the wider Hidden Beach Summer of Culture (31 July – 31 August), a month-long programme of music, food, art, learning and community activity across Hastings and St Leonards.

Live bands and vocalists performing across salsa, Latin, Cuban, Afrobeat, reggae, soul, jazz and more — bringing global rhythms and rich musical traditions to the main stage.

A full programme of DJs delivering uplifting, danceable selections from afternoon into evening, blending underground sounds with festival favourites.

A curated line-up of independent food traders serving high-quality street food inspired by global cuisines, alongside a festival bar with cold drinks, cocktails and refreshments throughout the day.

Hands-on creative sessions for children, families and adults — including dance, drumming, arts and crafts, movement and storytelling — offering opportunities to participate, learn and express yourself alongside the music.

Chill-out areas, shaded spaces, culture corners and relaxed social zones designed for gathering, resting, dancing and connecting throughout the day.

Hidden Beach Festival is built around the idea that culture is something we make and share together.

By bringing music, food, art and creative activity into a free-flowing public space, the festival supports:

• access to culture for broad and diverse audiences
• participation and creative confidence across ages and backgrounds
• social connection, wellbeing and a sense of belonging
• the visibility of local, national and international artists and practitioners

It creates space for people to come together, experience high-quality cultural work, and take part in something joyful, open and collective.

Your £15 ticket gives you access to:

• 10 hours of programming (12pm–10pm)
• Live bands and DJs across multiple genres
• Creative workshops and activities throughout the day
• A vibrant festival environment by the sea
• A welcoming, inclusive atmosphere for all

Whether you stay all day or drop in for a few hours, Hidden Beach Festival at The Oval offers a full, varied and immersive summer festival experience.

Date: Saturday 8th August
Time: 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Location: The Oval, Hastings
Tickets: £15

Part of the Hidden Beach Summer of Culture programme (31 July – 31 August).

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