Bright sunshine helped draw large crowds for Hastings Fat Tuesday umbrella parade on Sunday, February 12. The procession was led by Hastings’ new royal family and was made up of what seemed like hundreds of people carrying decorated umbrellas, everyone from steam punks to children. A graceful elephant glided past the Stade, powered by an internal cyclist. The elephant was later to be found grazing outside St Mary in the Castle, where live bands were performing free to crowds,
Drummers, morris dancers and the inimitable Fat Tuesday 2nd Line Band also took part in the procession. Later on, walking around the town, live music could be heard from multiple venues including the Printworks as people geared up for a fabulous few days of the UK’s biggest and best Mardi Gras festival.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Cxk2BVGihQ
Photo: Seana Lanigan