Get Ready for Mardi Gras on the South Coast: Hastings Fat Tuesday 2026

The UK’s largest Mardi Gras celebration is back and bigger than ever! From February 13th to 17th, 2026, Hastings and St Leonards will transform into a riot of color, music, and carnival spirit.

With five days of music, parades, and parties, this year’s lineup is absolutely stacked. whether you are looking for high-energy brass bands, intimate acoustic sets, or late-night DJ sessions, there is something for everyone.

Here is your essential guide to the key events and the incredible artists performing each day.

 Le Grand Mardi Gras Ball

Kick off the festivities in style with a headline set from Britpop legends Republica!

The Lineup:
Republica, Saidi Kanda and Mvula Mandondo, Brass Funkeys, Heavenly Jukebox, Lemur Beats

GRAB A TICKET NOW TO SUPPORT THE FESTIVAL – and then the rest of the long weekend is FREE

 Fat Tuesday Tour

Tuesday night sees the festival go out with a bang as bands tour venues across the town.

The Lineup:
The Albion Skiffle Co, Be Kind, Cadaver Bones, Ate Arfa, The Dreaming Spires, Frank From Blue Velvet, Freya McKenna, The Haystingers, HUK, Joanna and The Dropouts, Jorj Sabio, Kay Iris, Leto Grand, Lily Ramona Trio, Our Royal Displeasure, Playing Alice, Poppy Rockett, The Redcatz, Rob Picazo, The Sazeracs, Snakemilk, Trans-Siberian Express, Wave Machine, Woodpig, Wytch Pycknyck

 Unplugged Saturday

A massive afternoon of acoustic music taking over bars, pubs, and cafes throughout Hastings.

The Lineup:
23 Fields, The Albion Skiffle Co, Anna & The Mariners, Atomic Twitten, Ben Maier, Bold Reilly Big Band, Bozard, Charlie Thompson & Glenn Doran, Chengyao Zhou, Chimer, Claire Nicolson, Column258, Earl Grey, Ed Boxall, Erika Olson, Fat Tuesday Club, Fighting Bill, Tracey & The Hoprobbers, First Form, The Frinks, Greenness, Gripper Lee, Harry Moon & The Cardboard Rocket, The Hastings Academy, Hastings Punk Choir, I Am Her, J.J. Collins, James Brute, The Joe Bulley Band, King Size Slim, Korda Korder, Laura Fell, Laura Gillham and Andrew Sleightholme, Lea Valley Ramblers, Lincoln Shaw and The Brixton Hicks, Maia Frankie, Maii Melo, Milton Hide, Montague Armstrong Rippengal, Mr Wilson’s Second Liners, Otti, Paul Mcclure, Pearl Fish, Phil Maguire and The Balladeers, Pien, Ragati String Band, The Rebel Gentlemen, Regrettables, The Roebucks, Romeo Stodart & Ren Harvieu, Rotten Boroughs, Sam Brace & The Merciless Bronze, The Shady Pines, She Brings, The Stef Charles and Louise Payne Duet, Tasska, Tellums, Tom Cole, The United Stoats of America, Yasmien Huband

 Umbrella Parade and Preservation Sunday

A family-friendly explosion of color and New Orleans vibes.

The Lineup:
Mr Wilson’s Second Liners, The Sazeracs, Sambalanco, HFT Youth Second Liners, The Yeah Yeah Party Party Freedom Drummers

 More Not-To-Be-Missed Events

• Under The Radar: Featuring Miss Melody guests.

• Slim Monday: Hosted by King Size Slim (Toby Barelli) with special guests.

• Reggae Room Party: Hosted by the Dub Generals special guests.

• Unconvention: A one-day grassroots music conference.

• Quantick’s Quiz: Hosted by David Quantick.

• Saturday Sunday Sonics: Live electronic musicians and DJs.

• After Party: Closing out the festival with DJs Ed F and Andy G.

Don’t miss out on 5 Days of Mardi Gras on the South Coast!
For tickets and more details, visit hastingsfattuesday.co.uk.