A Celebration of Live!

A Celebration of Live! brings a weekend of live music to St Leonards Church.

Spokeswoman Stephanie Ellis said: “The two-day event features live performances from African Headcharge, Kid Kapichi and Southern & Friends, among many more.

“Curated by local musician and promoter, Mike Willis, Celebration of Live! is a two day festival celebrating everything that makes live music special, bringing together some of Hastings’ most beloved musicians, exciting emerging talent and internationally recognised performers.

“The event is also a celebration of Hastings’ distinctive musical character, not just the talent on stage, but the local audiences that bring a passion and energy to their love and support of local music in the town, ensuring Hastings’ music scene continues to vibe and thrive!

“Capturing the community, energy, inspiration and diversity that live music creates and grows, the weekend will have two very different musical personalities: Saturday is about energy, rhythm and dancing; Sunday celebrates songwriting, musicianship and having a good old sing along.”

Saturday 24th October is Fill the Dancefloor!

“Want to dance? Saturday is your day, with a lively, eclectic line-up designed to get people moving to the likes of The Jumpsters, a swaggering, swinging ensemble mixing jazz, vintage country and honky-tonk and Mike Willis & The Get ’Em On Up Boys, a special return for the very first band Mike assembled after settling in Hastings. The evening will culminate in a full-on dancefloor celebration with African Head Charge, internationally recognised pioneers of psychedelic dub, African rhythms and experimental dance music!”

Sunday 25th October is Fill Our Cups!

“Love music and toasting the community? Sunday is your day, with an afternoon and evening celebrating the strength of Hastings’ songwriting community, musical collaborations and shared love of songs. The afternoon starts with Ben Maier, one of the local scene’s most beloved singer-songwriters, performing with a stripped-back band and continues with Kid Kapichi, one of Hastings' best-known musical exports, with a special intimate set for the occasion. Sunday culminates with a bang-up performance by Southern & Friends, Mike Willis’s newest musical project, bringing American roots music together with a distinctly British sensibility, and joined by a who’s who of Hastings’ top-tier musicians.

“Originally from the US, Mike has spent years promoting and creating opportunities for live music in Hastings and St Leonards through Mike’s List and Live at Mike’s. And, building on his songwriting and performance background in Nashville, Mike is also a prominent local performer and is excited to reunite with his first Hastings Band, The Get ’Em On Up Boys, on Saturday evening and to present Southern, his newest project on Sunday, representing the next chapter in Mike’s musical journey, and bringing musicians and audiences from across the local scene together.

“The event is open to everyone in the community, locals and visitors alike! Tickets are on sale via mikeslist.uk where those interested can purchase a standard admission ticket for £20 or a Two-Day VIP pass for £35 with priority entry across both days. Folks who are unable to attend but want to support live music in Hastings and St. Leonards are welcome to make a £5 supporter donation.”

Dates: Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2026

Venue: St Leonards Church, London Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, TN37 6AS

Saturday: Doors 5:30pm, music from 6pm

6:00pm: The Jumpsters

7:30pm: Mike Willis and the Get Em On Up Boys

9:00pm: African Headcharge

Sunday: Doors 4pm, music from 4:30pm

4:30pm: Ben Maier

6:00pm: Kid Kapichi

7:30pm: Southern & Friends