The West Hill Party and Slaying of the Jack
Schedule
Mon, 04 May, 2026 at 12:00 pm
UTC+01:00Location
The West Hill, Hastings | Hastings, EN
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The West Hill is transformed into a hub of excitement and noise for the afternoon. Bring a picnic blanket, find your spot on the hill and enjoy an an afternoon of live entertainment of dancing, singing, drumming and more! There will be lots of delicious food on offer to cater to all tastes, as well as various clothes and crafts on offer.
Don’t forget to visit the Hastings Traditional Jack in the Green stall. This is your last chance to grab this year’s t-shirt and other merchandise.
12noon - Belver will start the proceedings before Jack and the procession arrives.
Enjoy a folk music performance by Belver, as Jack and the procession make their way to the West Hill. This energetic three-piece band blends traditional English folk with engaging arrangements and infectious rhythm, the perfect start to an afternoon of music, dancing and celebration.
Belver are Dom Doran (Vocals, Border Pipes, Concertina, Whistles, Flutes) , Jack Hogsden (Vocals, Guitar, Melodeon.) , and Harry Abel (Vocals, Fiddle, Stomp).
Approx. 12:40 - After the procession arrives at the hill, Jack will take to the Main Stage and welcome his followers. Once the entire procession has made it to the West Hill Jack and his attendants will make their way to the Jack Stage and overlook the proceedings. Each of the participating groups from the procession are invited to perform. There will be dancing, singing, drumming and more!
Approx. 4pm - As the day draws to a close, attention turns once more to Jack – king for a single day. After a final burst of energy, the traditional slaying takes place and Jack’s leaves are shared among the crowd, symbolising the turning of the seasons and the coming of summer.
There are plenty of leaves for everyone, and only one is needed for good luck. Please be patient and take care near the stage, as this is one of the busiest moments of the day.
All timings are approximate
Please do not bring BBQs on the West Hill.
Well behaved dogs are welcome on leads and please drink responsibly.
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Where is it happening?
The West Hill, Hastings, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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