Michael Jackson impersonator ‘Navi’ is universally recognised as "The World's No.1 Michael Jackson Impersonator" throughout the world, including the Michael Jackson fan community itself. He will be appearing at the Icklesham Village Beer Festival Sun.25th July.

Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month is ‘Rock-a-Nore Vinyl Night’ at the Dolphin in Hastings old town. Bring your old vinyl records down 7” or other, the most entertaining record wins the owner a free drink!!

The Standard Inn, Rye is holding a 60’s theme fancy dress night in aid of ARRCC “Respite Care Centre” on 16th July. Prizes for best fancy dress, a raffle and we expect some nibbles. Rye and District ARRCC is the relief of need of adults with physical disabilities, and their carers through the provision and assistance in the provision of an activity and respite centre, with the aim of improving their quality of life. This is a very worthwhile cause and as an ex Rye person is close to my heart so please support this event.

There is a Hastings Burlesk Pirate Day special "A Pirate's Voyages “at Venue, George Street Hastings on Friday August 6th. Captain Severine Sinful beckons you to join her and her crew of burlesque beauties as they sail the seven seas in search of the best entertainment the pirate ports have to offer! Featuring first mate Domino Burlesk and everyone's favourite cabin girls, the B! Hostesses, as well as a packed line up of some of the best burlesque talent from across the UK! What better way to end Hastings Pirate day than kicking back with some rum and letting BURLESK! take you on a voyage of piracy, plunder and plenty of booty, Ooh-arrrr! From 8pm till late Tickets £9 in advance, £12 on the door available from Equilibrium, George St Venuu Box office. More details see the website at  www.burlesk.webs.com

Expect some outrageous, odd, strange, weird, funny and absolutely fantastic prams in the Hastings Old Town Pram Race Wed. 4th August. Entries have to be in by noon on 4th August to the Cutter public house Hastings sea front. This is a must not miss event!

If you are looking for some Country and Western music the Norman Arms in St Leonards has two dates this month. July 9th the Rhythm Strings and on the July 16th is Tennessee Rebel.

Modern Jive (Le Roc) Dance Club every Monday evening at the Phoenix Arts Centre. From 7.30pm-11pm with resident teachers John and Wendy Braden. Large dance floor, Air Conditioning and free parking, for more information Tel: 01424 448200 or www.phoenixjive.co.uk

There is a new Acoustic Jam Picnic every Monday at Tin-Tins in Hastings town centre from 9pm till late sometimes 2am. Some munchies are provided and they encourage people to bring their own acoustic instruments guitars, bases, bongos, flutes, etc.

10th-17th July The Home Educators' Summer Festival (HESFES) just outside of Paddock Wood will offer live music, events and workshops. www.hesfes.co.uk

Eastbourne’s 10th Lammas Festival Eastbourne's annual free festival of music dance and entertainment is back at on the Western Lawns on 31st July - 1st August. The festival raises money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. There will be folk music, Morris dancing, stalls, real ale, entertainment, a carnival parade, free children’s entertainment and giants. There is  a Ceilidh on the Saturday night. Full listing at www.lammasfest.org

11th Summer Art Exhibition & Sale of Paintings 10th/11th July at The Arthur Easton Centre, St Michael’s Hospice, 25 Upper Maze Hill, St Leonards. The event will be opened by Radio 2 Presenter, Alex Lester. All the exhibits are by local artists. Refreshments served all day with proceeds to St Michael’s Hospice.  Open 10.30am-6pm.  Entry £1.

Monday 2nd August 7.30pm Organ Concert All Saints Church, All Saints Street, Hastings, music played by Simon Bell from Winchester Cathedral on the fabulous 1878 Father Willis Organ. Tickets are £7 on the door, Tea, coffee, wine by donation. The next Organ Concert is on Monday 9th August, 7.30pm.

The 30th Rabbit Rally at the Robin Hood Fields, Icklesham is 9th-11th July.

Rye Raft Race is on Aug. 29th from 1.30pm, all manner of crazy craft take to the River Rother to try and be the first over the finishing line.

Local band Vendetta was formed in 2009 by Martyn White (Guitar) & Julius Brady (Vocals) in order to meet their need to rock. After many auditions to find a suitable drummer and bassist they settled on Martyn's own son, Sam who turned 18 this year, just in time to gig! Keeping it in the family, Martyn and Julius enlisted the help of Sam's drum tutor, Peter White, himself no stranger to the Hastings rock scene.
Vendetta play various flavours of rock including classic 70s to modern hits such as 'Back in Black', 'Wishing Well', 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' and 'Ladies & Gentlemen'. The bands first date will be at The Royal Standard, old town in Hastings July 31st. To find out more go to www.vendettarockband.com

The 39th Rye Arts Festival will run from 11th - 26th September.

1066 South Saxon Scooter Club meet on the 1st Thurs. of the month at The Cutter public house in the old town, Hastings.

Saturday July 31st sees the Hastings old town inter pub Tug of War Competition outside the Hastings Lifeboat Station on the Stade. Ladies and Men’s teams of eight, £13.50 entry per team, All entries and monies to be paid in to the Fishermen’s Club, 97 All Saints Street Hastings by 17th July. There will be a disco at Fishermen’s Club from 3pm. Further info: 01424 429 300.

A photography competition has been launched called ‘My Stade’; the competition is open to everyone, from amateur snappers to slick professionals. Entrants are invited to explore the Stade at Rock-a-Nore, Hastings, through their camera and show judges what the Stade means to them. Submit your pictures by 31st July 2010 for the chance to have your work selected for an exhibition during October and November, as part of Brighton Photo Fringe, Hastings photography festival. You might even win a digital camera too.
You can download a registration form and see full details of how to enter at: www.hastings.gov.uk/stade_education/my_stade.aspx or you can collect a paper copy from: The Old Town Hall Museum,  Fishermen’s Museum,  Fishermen’s Protection Society,  Shipwreck and Coastal Heritage Centre and  Blue Reef Aquarium.

The 1066Cruisers Mid Summer Picnic and Custom Car Show 2010 will be held on Sun. 1st Aug. between 10am-3pm at Horns Corner, Catsfield, (B2204) Nr Battle. Featuring:- Hot Rods, Custom Cars, Custom Bikes, Dragsters, Drag Bike Custom VW’s, Classic American Cars and Bikes. Catering Units, Licensed Bar, Kids Rides, Trade Stands and Craft Stalls. Camping available from Friday for people who have pre entered their show cars, please contact Kim on 07831 551825 01424 892297 or for more information at www.1066cruisers.com

Pete Prescott, a locally well respected singer and musician who has had considerable success teaching young and old beginners to sing and play guitar. It is his endless patience that has contributed to his success and his wish that his pupils will gain as much pleasure from having music in their lives that he has throughout his career.  It is the reason he has made himself available to help others get started. If you would like to take advantage of his inexpensive lessons contact him on 0781 551 3868, He can even give lessons in your home if needed.

Rye Maritime Festival takes place on the Strand Quay, Rye Sat. 17th July 12noon-5pm.

The Battle Scarecrow Festival is back for 2010 from 5th-24th July. Take a guided tour through the lovely town of Battle and seek out the many Scarecrows on view throughout the streets and gardens. Vote for the best scarecrow whilst you walk round. Maps can be picked up at Battle Tourist Information Centre, Battle Abbey Gatehouse, Battle. There were some fantastic Scarecrows last year perched and seen in strange places, for further information Tel: 01424 773721.

Saturday 7th August 10am to 5.30pm The Battle for Hastings’ Strongest Man and Woman 2010 on Hastings beach adjacent to the Lifeboat Station. This new and exciting event will bring serious competitors from far and wide and special guests including the very well known “Cobra” from ITV’s Gladiators show.

The organisers wish to emphasise that it is very much a family occasion which is always enjoyable to watch. There is an array of food and drink and much more including children’s play area with bouncy castles, gladiators duel and sumo wrestling, so plenty of fun for the whole family. Anyone wishing to compete can contact Phil on 07708 344191 or June on 07708 346607. All proceeds to the RNLI.

Thurs. 5th Aug. 7pm to 11pm Street Party in the High Street, old town Hastings, All the usual fun at the High Street Traders Street Party. Continuous entertainment with live bands, children’s rides and sideshows, Belly Dancing, street dancing, food court with ethnic foods, traditional British barbecue, raising funds for local good causes. To book a stall at the street market, phone Ian Porter on 01424 812662 or 07974 081582 or download the entry form from www.oldtowncarnivalweek.co.uk

A 40’s Dad’s Army Dance at the Bourne Hall, Hastings old town on Sat. 14th July. Dance to the Cinque Port Lindy Hoppers and listen to the music from the Shady Ladies. Costume of the day by the order of Captain Mannering, 7.30/11pm, entry 7/6p, whoops sorry £7.50 to include nibbles and tuition.

No 48 in Devonshire Rd; Bexhill is holding an Arts Festival 3/5pm 24th July. The festival is open to local artists and photographers. Tel: 01424 736600.

Saturday, July 31st, The South East's newest show night! - A decadent evening of burlesque and cabaret entertainment. See a mix of unusual and original artworks, created by local and international artists, with unique and spectacular performances from an array of incredible UK and international performers! music, mystery, prizes, stalls, treats and much more in store for all who attend this tribute to all that is intriguing!! 8pm until midnight in the function room upper floor the Carlisle, sea front Hastings. Tickets £8 are available from the Carlisle or Equilibrium in George Street Hastings.

August 1st from 9am on Pelham Promenade, Hastings Old Town Seafront there will be a open market with 40 or more stalls selling everything from Native American goods to Indian jewellery, embroidered flannels, artificial flowers, hand knitted scarves, handmade jewellery, plants, cakes, objects d’art, bags, scarves, puzzles and French/Arabian sauces, there is sure to be something for everyone. Enquiries Tel: 01424 812662. 

On Tuesday 3rd Aug. from 5.30pm to dusk bike race in Crown Lane, old town Hastings for the Jimmy Read Memorial Trophy. Pedal power alone! All welcome, just turn up and pay a donation to the starter. The Bike Race has no organisers. The timekeepers, flagman and all other helpers turn up year after year to make the event happen. It is not advisable to bring dogs to this event and young children should be under the supervision of adults.
 
Eclipse will be performing an evening of Pink Floyd at the Icklesham Village Beer Festival on Thursday 22nd. Back by popular request possibly probably the best Pink Floyd Tribute Acts locally.

Rattlebag's next singaround is July 15th at The Stag in the Old town Hastings.

There is an Irish music session on the last Friday of each month at The Royal Oak Whatlington. For more details email: session@dengates.co.uk

The Bohemia Village Fayre 2010 will be on 31st July.

Hastings Bike Festival is on Saturday 14th August 11am to 4pm at Alexandra Park, a celebration of cycling bringing together cyclists young and old to promote the pleasurable, environmental and  healthy aspects of cycling. On view will be the carnival whacky bikes and a range of new bikes with more conventional bikes. Appearing on the bandstand will be The Moors, Sambalanca, Jazz Train, The Four Altos and the Sea Shanty Crew, amidst a mass of new bikes to view, information on cycle routes current and proposed, free bike check-ups and advice (alternative phrase, Dr Bike) bike jumble etc. There will be plenty of children's activities including decorating their bikes for a procession led by Sambalanca. More information on 07866560439 or www.hastingsurbanbikes.com

St. Mary in the Castle is now open for bookings please contact Barbara Rogers on 01424-717592.

Kevin and Pete the original Helter Skelter who played at the Plough on West Hill, Hastings two months ago will be returning on Sunday July 25th from 3/6pm or, 3pm til Hey Jude. This will be a much welcomed return as the duo do not play enough in the area.

The White Horse Bodle Street Green has a friendly traditional folk club on alternate Monday nights with free entry. Monday 5th July, Dave Beckett, blues guitarist, plus floor singers, Monday 19th July Terry Lees plus floor singers. We all know that Terry is a wonderful guitarist and a fine singer. It’s great to be able to hear him at the White Horse again. On Monday 9th August is Club night with floor singers.

Open air theatre experts, Heartbreak Productions on July 17th, 7.30pm at Pestalozzi Village Trust, Sedlescombe invite you out on a date which promises to be full of drama, dance, song and, cupid allowing, a small amount of flirting! An open air exclusive ‘Love In Shakespeare’ devised especially for Heartbreak this is a comedic and at times, irreverent love story following the journey of Chris as he plays out his own love story through some of the Bard’s best bits. Set in the Shakespeare pub in 2010 this is a tale for our times designed to inspire and inflame even the bitterest of cynics. Served up with a garnish of Heartbreak song, audience interaction and the occasional dance we hope this experience will awaken the Romeo or Juliet in us all. Love in Shakespeare delves into a selection of the writer’s well known plays and celebrates the lessons we learn as love is sought, found and sometimes lost. So hook up with your Romeo or Juliet. Fill the picnic hamper and join together for a faithful night out. Gates open 6.15pm.Tkts; Adults £12, Children £6. We have been advised that this production is not suitable for very young children.

A charity Cart Race is being held at The Three Oaks Inn at Three Oaks on 14th August. All proceeds going to the RNLI, all interested teams please Tel: 01424 813303.

No 48 in Devonshire Rd; Bexhill is holding another mic night due to popular demand on 23rd July. Free nibbles with every drink between 5.30/6.30pm.

Thursday 22nd-Sunday 25th July Icklesham Village Beer Festival “More different beers than you can drink from Micro Breweries throughout the UK”This popular event returns with  live music including fun to watch and sing along or drink along to on Thursday ‘Wish You Were Here Night’ Pink Floyd tribute band ‘Eclipse’. Friday, The Kytes, Dirty Scarlet and The 1066 Rockitmen Big Band with dancers. Saturday night Stage Fright, Lower The Tone and Soul-X-Press Blues Brothers Show. Sunday for a “family fun day” including The Ninfield Dance Group performing to Thriller. ’Navi’ the Worlds number one Michael Jackson Tribute act. For details of all the bands and where to find this great festival see www.ivbf.co.uk

The Old Courthouse in Westfield is holding its annual Bank Holiday Beer Festival 27th-30th August. Also live music over the weekend from Alfie and the Alcoholics, The Ragiti String Band and Band of Two. Tel: 01424 751 603

Venuu in George Street in the old town Hastings present an evening of Rockin' Cabaret entertainment on 9th July, starring International Burlesque legend Chrys Columbine, the only burlesquer in the world who plays classical piano and strips at the same time! Presided over by Severine Sinful, Hastings queen of deviance, RocknRolla! a dark and dirty cocktail of burlesque, comedy, performance, fire dancing, circus stunts and musical madness from top notch performers from across the UK. Tickets are £9 in advance, £12 on the door available from: the Hastings Information Centre Priory Meadow Equilibrium George St; or the Venuu Box office.

Not only does the Dolphin in Rock-n-Nore old town Hastings have six real ales on, the Jenny Lind around the corner in the High Street has seven on from time to time.

Friday 23rd July is S&M Metal Night at Venuu George Street Hastings with some of the best Metal talent the world has to offer, With live bands and DJs, every last Friday of every month. Doors open 7.30, Bands from 8pm till 11pm & DJs till 1am, shows are 14+ till 11pm 18+ after. Tickets: £5.

'Rockshack' the party band from Beckley near Rye where born out of regulars to the Rose and Crown in Beckley who just thought playing music once a week for pleasure would be a gas. The band ‘Reg Marchant’ Guitar / Vocals, ‘Peter Thomson’ Guitar / Vocals, Lucy ‘Radford-Earl’ Vocals, ‘Ian Broad’ Bass Guitar, ‘Paul Stephen’ Drums / Vocals first performed as a band in 2006, Now with their unique 'acoustic' take on Rock 'n' Roll classics and 21st century favourites (and some unmistakable banter) never fails to get the party jumpin'. For more details see www.rock-shack.co.uk

Rye Players present Dad's Army by Jimmy Perry and David Croft 14th-17th July at Rye Community Centre, 7.30pm, matinee Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets: £7 - matinee £5, children £1 and available from Wood n' Things, 105 High Street, Rye or Tel: 01797 226090.

On the 10th-11th July at Bodiam Castle musicians from the Minstrels Gallery play more than forty different instruments between them. Medieval music will fill the castle in a unique combination of fun and history. 10.30am - 4.30pm, for further information Tel: 01580 830196.

60’s & 70’s T/Motown Northern Soul 1st Friday of Every Month 8pm-2am £3, Crown House, Marina St. Leonards.

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