Friday 1st May - Monday 4th May 2026
Checkout the full programme of events below. Click on the title or photo for more information.
Big Heads Workshop
Build yourself a Jack in the Green character 'Big Head' costume and join in the celebrations!
Storytelling with Ed Boxall
Join Ed Boxall for some giant-sized stories! Storyteller Ed will share a mix of old folktales and his original stories, exploring giants in their many shapes and forms. Some will be wild, some funny, and all with have a sprinkling of Jack in the Green Summery magic.
Free - Donations gratefully received
Leafy Jack Craft Workshop
Make your own leafy Jack and learn the history of Jack-in-the-greens. All materials provided
All children to be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Free - Book your slot via Eventbrite
Processional Giants Talk
This year’s Friday night talk explores the traditional English custom of Giants. A longstanding and much-loved part of our weekend, these towering figures are instantly recognisable and rich in history.
Donations on the door
Book your slot via Eventbrite
Music and Song Session
Start the weekend off with a music and song session. For all those who want to sing, play, dance or just enjoy the live music with a pint.
Free - Donations gratefully received
Headdress Workshop
Join us at Stade Hall to make a headdress to wear over the May Day weekend. All materials provided.
These workshops have been incredibly popular in the past, so we are introducing bookings this year.
All children to be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Free - Book your slot via Eventbrite
Storytelling with Ed Boxall
Join Ed Boxall for some giant-sized stories! Storyteller Ed will share a mix of old folktales and his original stories, exploring giants in their many shapes and forms. Some will be wild, some funny, and all with have a sprinkling of Jack in the Green Summery magic.
Free - Donations gratefully received
Dancing around the Old Town
Host sides Hastings RX Morris and Hannah’s Cat kick off the dancing at the Stade Open Space, near the Hastings Contemporary. Sides from around the country perform before venturing into the Old Town and along seafront for further dancing.
Storytelling with Ed Boxall
Join Ed Boxall for some giant-sized stories! Storyteller Ed will share a mix of old folktales and his original stories, exploring giants in their many shapes and forms. Some will be wild, some funny, and all with have a sprinkling of Jack in the Green Summery magic.
Free - Donations gratefully received
The Big Ceilidh with Banter and martin Clarke
The Big Ceilidh with Banter and caller Martin Clarke - an evening of dancing and live entertainment.
Don’t worry if you don’t know your Strip the Willow from your Threading the Needle, caller Martin Clarke will help guide you through the dances.
Tickets available by phone, in person or online from the White Rock Theatre Box Office
Dancing at The Stade and around the Old Town
Morris sides and other performance groups perform around the Old Town and showcase their dances at the Stade Open Space
Rattlebag Family Friendly Singaround (FREE)
Join 5-piece a capella group Rattlebag for their family friendly singaround at the Fishermen’s museum.
Children to be supervised at all times.
Free - Donations gratefully received
Procession of Giants
Assembling in the Aspens Roebuck Centre, these towering figures will make their way down Roebuck Street, along The Bourne, and on to the Stade Open Space.
Free - Donations gratefully received
The Family Ceilidh with Belver and martin Clarke
Come and have a go at English ceilidh dancing! This year we are excited to host a free family ceilidh on the Stade Open Space. Brighton based Trad-folk trio ‘Belver’ play music you just can’t help but move to, and expert caller Martin Clarke will guide you through the dances. Everyone is welcome- whether you are a seasoned dancer, have taken part in some of our schools workshops, or never danced before!
Don’t worry if you don’t know your Strip the Willow from your Threading the Needle, caller Martin Clarke will help guide you through the dances.
Free - Donations gratefully received
Afternoon Concert with the Copper family
An afternoon concert with The Copper Family, a Sussex-based family singing folk songs passed down through the family for generations.
For tickets please visit the Eventbrite Page.
An Evening of Giants
A rare opportunity to get up close to these remarkable figures.
Free - Donations gratefully received
Morris Dancers' Breakfast
Start your day with a light breakfast to help fuel you through the day.
The Grand Procession
The highlight of the long weekend - The Grand Procession though Hastings Old Town.
Approx. 10:15 - Jack is released from the Fishermen’s Museum along Rock-a-Nore Road. The procession travels up All Saint’s Street, across The Bourne, and down the High Street.
Approx. 11:15 - The procession pauses in the High Street to allow Jack to meet all the visiting groups
Approx. 12:00 - The procession continues up Croft Road, along Collier Road before making its way to the West Hill.
The West Hill
The big conclusion of the long weekend, an afternoon of live entertainment overlooking Hastings Old Town.
Belver will start the proceedings before Jack and the procession arrive.
Free - Donations gratefully received
Processional Giants - Giant handling Workshop
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to carry a giant, as seen at Hastings Traditional Jack in the Green? Or simply fancied trying something new? Then this workshop is for you!
Jack in the Green Volunteers Evening
Come along to our Volunteers’ Evening to see who you can help out and make Hastings Traditional Jack in the Green better than ever!
Jack in the Green Volunteers' Evening
Come along to our Volunteers’ Evening to see who you can help out and make Hastings Traditional Jack in the Green better than ever!
Slaying of the Jack
Jack is slain and the spirit of summer released for another year!
Timings are approximate, and can change due to circumstances. Get there in good time to avoid disappointment.
The West Hill
The big conclusion of the long weekend, an afternoon of live entertainment overlooking Hastings Old Town.
Blakeley & Lucas will start the proceedings before Jack and the procession arrive.
Break in the High Street
The procession pauses to allow groups to perform while Jack greets all his followers
Morris Dancers' Breakfast
Start your day with a light breakfast to help fuel you through the day.
Concert with the Copper family
An afternoon concert with The Copper Family, a Sussex-based family singing folk songs passed down through the family for generations.
For tickets please visit the Eventbrite Page.
Rattlebag Family Friendly Singaround (FREE)
Join 5-piece a capella group Rattlebag for their family friendly singaround at the Fishermen’s museum.
Children to be supervised at all times.
Free - Donations gratefully received
Carnival of Giants - Storytelling
Join Ed Boxall for some giant-sized stories! Storyteller Ed will share a mix of old folktales and his original stories, exploring giants in their many shapes and forms. Some will be wild, some funny, and all with have a sprinkling of Jack in the Green Summery magic.
Dancing at The Stade and around the Old Town
Morris sides perform around the Old Town and showcase their dances at the Stade Open Space
The Big Ceilidh with out of hand and annie bolt
The Big Ceilidh with Out of Hand and caller Annie Bolt - an evening of dancing and live entertainment.
Don’t worry if you don’t know your Strip the Willow from your Threading the Needle, caller Annie Bolt will help guide you through the dances.
Dancing around the Old Town
Host sides Hastings RX Morris and Hannah’s Cat kick off the dancing at the Stade Open Space, near the Hastings Contemporary. Sides from around the country perform before venturing into the Old Town and along seafront for further dancing.
Garland and Headdress Workshop (Free)
A free family friendly arts and crafts workshop to create a garland or headdress for Jack in the Green.
Children to be supervised at all times.
Music and Song Session
Start the weekend off with a music and song session. For all those who want to sing, play, dance or just enjoy the live music with a pint.
Red Set Girls and Jack in the Green - SOLD OUT
Red Set Girls and Jack in the Green – A Celebration of Folk, Resistance, and Identity
WE OUT HERE and Playing the Race Card are thrilled to partner with Hastings Traditional Jack in the Green, for the 2025 programme.
Together, we look forward to celebrating creativity, culture, and community in this exciting collaboration.
Donations on the door
Children’s Spin Drum Workshop - SOLD OUT
Create a Jack in the Green inspired spin drum.
All children to be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Free - Donations gratefully received
Jack in the green activities at Ore Community Library (Free)
11am - A free family friendly arts and crafts workshop to create a stick puppet to celebrate Hastings Traditional Jack in the Green.
2pm - Singing with acapella folk five-piece Rattlebag who celebrate their 20th anniversary this year.
All welcome. Join in with the singing, share a song or just watch and enjoy.
All children to be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Free - Donations gratefully received
Jack in the Green Paper Making Workshop (free)
Free workshop for complete beginners introducing you to the wonderful world of paper making.
Session times:
10:00 – 11:00
11:15 – 12:15
12:30 – 13:30
13:45 – 14:45
15:00 – 16:00
Free to attend, book a free slot via Eventbrite
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
The West Hill
The big conclusion of the long weekend, an afternoon of live entertainment overlooking Hastings Old Town
Break in the High Street
The procession pauses to allow groups to perform while Jack greets all his followers
Morris Dancers' Breakfast
Start your day with a light breakfast to help fuel you through the day.