Hastings enjoyed one of its busiest and best weekends on record as visitors flocked to the town to enjoy the Jack in the Green Morris dancing festival and Bike 1066 events.

Councillor Kim Forward, deputy leader of Hastings Borough Council and lead member for tourism said: “What a fantastic weekend! We’ve heard a number of reports from people who said they have never seen Hastings so busy.

“The combination of the Jack in the Green weekend, the 40th May Day motor bike run and glorious weather, meant the town enjoyed one of its most successful bank holidays ever. The car parks filled up very quickly and the trains were arriving at the station completely full, giving the town a real buzz, and a wonderful atmosphere.

“Last year the Jack in the Green finale was brought forward because of the rain, this year it was earlier because of the heat, the Morris sides and ‘bogies’ (green costumed characters who look after the Jack) had been dancing and processing since 10.15am and were so hot that that they decided to slay the Jack just before 3.30pm, rather that 4pm as planned.

“The motorbikes were just fantastic, attracting huge crowds too, taking up almost every inch of available space on the seafront and in the town centre.

“All in all it was a brilliant long weekend for the town, in every respect, and I’d like to thank all of the organisers for the tremendous job they do, particularly the Jack in the Green committee who are all volunteers. We certainly put Hastings on the map this weekend.”