Hastings Old Town Carnival Week has packed programme of events

Hastings Old Town Carnival chairman Reg Wood said: “Hastings Old Town Carnival week is here again and what an exciting week there is to look forward to. There will be so many events to enjoy including the ever-popular Pram Race, the Nearly on the Beach concert, the Jimmy Read memorial bike race, Old Town Criers event, Sea Boot Race, treasure trail, tractor run, the tug of war competition and not forgetting the carnival itself, to name just a few.

"On carnival day (Saturday August 8) there will be stalls and activities on The Stade in the afternoon before the parade so come and join the fun. This year's carnival theme is 100 years of television so we hope the public will come and support us and don't forget there will be fireworks from the castle at dusk. For more information look out for our colourful programme in pubs and shops around the Old Town and please support our charity bucket collectors.”

Saturday (August 1) sees the return of the popular Tug o’ War event which takes place from 10am - 1.30pm on The Stade.

The Nearly on the Beach Concert takes place on the Stade Open Space on Saturday and Sunday (August 1 and 2).

Highlights of the week include The Old Town Crier Competition and Seaboot Race on Monday (August 3), the Crown Lane Bike Race on Tuesday (August 4) and the Pram Race on Wednesday (August 5).

There is a full programme of fringe events including local history walks, cream teas, a blessing of the pets service and ghost walks.

The Albion pub on the seafront will be holding its Rodeo event on Tuesday (August 4) with live music in aid of the RNLI.

New events this year include a cake baking competition, which takes place at Courthouse Street on Wednesday (August 5), from noon to 1.30pm, to celebrate the 200th year of Judges Bakery. And a Seagull Squawking Competition at Butlers Gap, George Street, from 7.35pm on Friday August 7.

The FILO pub street party event takes place in High Street on Thursday (August 6), from 8pm and Sound Waves Community Choir will be singing in George Street on the same day from 6.30pm.

For the full list of events and timings, visit www.oldtowncarnivalweek.co.uk