The sixth Hastings Midsummer Fish Festival was heralded a great success as thousands of visitors flocked to the exhibition site on the Stade open space in the Old Town.

Councillor Kim Forward, deputy council leader and lead councillor for tourism, said this morning: “It was great to see so many people enjoying themselves at the Midsummer Fish Festival, with local residents and visitors to the town enjoying great local produce, fish filleting and cooking demonstrations, and live music throughout both days.

“C.J. Jackson, principal and chief executive of the Billingsgate Seafood School, and star of Sunday Brunch, and our own Tush and Pat Hamilton, gave talks and demonstrations over the weekend, and were extremely popular. There was a wide selection of other stalls selling some fantastic local food and drink, and some superb music too, performed by local musicians.

“The weather was glorious, and it was a great chance to showcase our local Hastings Fish brand, and so much more. I am pleased it was enjoyed by so many people.”