What is Fat Tuesday? Pancake Day, Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras (French for Fat Tuesday), the day we are meant to eat all the goodies in the larder prior to the start of Lent and fasting for many of us by giving something up until Easter, chocolate, biscuits etc.

However, Fat Tuesday Hastings style is party time so we thought we would share some of the forthcoming events so that fans can plan how to join in the fun. For the uninformed, Fat Tuesday is Hastings’ much-loved festival that copies the New Orleans style of Mardi Gras combining the enjoyment of good music with a flair for dressing up and partying, and it’s free! Since 2009, Hastings Fat Tuesday has become the biggest and best Mardi Gras celebration in the UK, during which we draw from the pool of local talented music makers who have created our well-developed local music scene. Mardi Gras Hastings style has quickly become one of the most eagerly anticipated events in our cultural calendar.

Fat Friday 24th Feb, the Festival gets underway, running from 24^th to 28^th, with a special performance from this year’s Festival Featured Act Marie White and her band at The Albion. In addition, there will be fringe events for those interested.

Unplugged Saturday 25th Feb, there will be 200 gigs across Town, food and drinks aplenty. Our local hostelries will come alive, there will be 40 acts playing 15 minute slots at some of the venues.

Thee Sunday Sonics 26^th Feb, a one-day celebration of Avant garde electronic music in the Trinity Triangle. Hastings and St Leonards has long been at the centre of visual art, music, film and performance. There will be a superb selection of International visual and sonic innovators in the America Ground.

Off Axis 26^th Feb, Sunday live showcase from some of the best unsigned and heading for greatness groups from across the UK.

The Umbrella Parade 26^th Feb, headed up by the much-loved Second Line Band, this is fun for all the family with masses of colourful fun as it passes from The Stade to The Palace.

UnConvention 27thFeb, A one-day music conference aimed at the grass roots music makers. There will be presenters from BBC Introducing The South and workshops about the future of the music scene. Would-be musicians will have the opportunity to get advice and join in with discussions about how to get into and succeed in the music business.

Fat Tuesday 28th Feb, The main event: Mardi Gras style fancy costumes, fabulous feathers, beads, masks and great music! There are twelve host venues for ‘The Fat Tuesday Tour’, 24 bands will each play three 20-minute sets in different venues and will welcome UK Britpop trio Dodgy as the head-line act.

This is one festival you must experience for yourself. Enjoy!

For more information visit the Fat Tuesday website...