Hastings set for modern Domesday Book attempt

The Hastings Speaks project aims to create a snapshot of life in 2016 as part of the Root 1066 International Festival.

Organisers will be hitting the streets asking people to complete a day diary using words, images, digital media and conversations.

“We know we live in an amazing part of the country, and have so many fascinating people with interesting stories to tell.’ said project coordinators Chris Sanders and Bev Jenkins.

“But how often do we get to hear what people are really thinking? This is their chance to tell it like it is for them and our chance to hear from a range of voices across the town.

“We’re especially keen to hear from everyone including people who don’t usually take part in art events.”

More than 200 people and 25 community groups have already signed up to take part and on Thursday, Hastings Speaks will be in the town centre encouraging more people to write a day diary.

The group will be at Hastings railway station to catch early morning commuters at 7.30am, before going to Sussex Coast College from 10am and then into the town centre near Debenhams from 2pm to 4.30pm with conversations in a pop-up castle.

The project is prompted by the work of the Mass Observation Archive who set its first national diary day on May 12, 1937 – to record the public’s view of King George VI’s coronation.

ROOT 1066 is inspired by the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings and funded by Hastings Borough Council and Arts Council England.

If you would like to know more about Hastings Speaks or get involved call Chris on 07738 763161 or Bev on 07901 916288 or email [email protected].

Alternatively visit the Facebook page Hastings Speaks, Twitter @hastingsspeaks or Instagram @hastingsspeaks.

For more information about the festival visit www.1066contemporary.com, the Facebook page ROOT1066 or follow @ROOT1066 on Twitter and Instagram.

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