Edith Festival 2026:
As part of the Hastings Week programme of events, and in parallel with the celebrations of the 960th anniversary this year of the Battle of Hastings and the forthcoming European Year of the Normans, this year’s Edith Festival focuses on the impact of the Norman Invasion on two of Edith’s children, namely her two daughters. Their lives were radically changed in the aftermath of the Conquest.
The evening event will consist of an examination and dramatic illustration of the ways their lives played out differently and how their legacies – and that of their mother, Edith Swanneck – inform our lives today. It will comprise two halves, one daughter’s story in each half. There will be a full, illustrated presentation in each half, accompanied by acted vignette performances of some pertinent scenes in each story.
The event will begin at 7pm but the pub will be open from 12 noon onwards serving drinks and food all day, so you will be welcome to arrive at any time. There will also be a short break between the halves for comfort, more drinks and food if desired. We will have Friends of Edith merchandise and material in display, including a printed full-colour transcription of the event.
It should be a fun evening for all and will hopefully illustrate the important legacy of Edith and her family down to today.
A 50-page, all-colour, full transcript of the event is available on our Resources/Merchandise page.
Get your tickets here at Eventbrite.
960th Anniversary Event
On Wednesday 14th October 2026 we shall be giving a FREE talk and celebrating this anniversary at the statue in West Marina Gardens at 12 noon.
The celebration will consist of a brief description of some of the salient moments 960 years ago and a number of short readings of extracts from historical records and literature regarding this momentous event.
The event is free and all are welcome to attend – just turn up at noon!
