We have been involved in building community events in the Hastings area for over 30 years. Keith Leech was the creator and founder of both the Hastings Jack in the Green and Hastings Bonfire. Heaher and Keith were asked to come in to help rebuild the Hastings Old Town Carnival which was in danger of stopping.
Heather is currently chair of Hastings Bonfire and Keith chair of both Hastings Jack in the Green and Hastings Old Town carnival.
Heather and Keith have both researched and published extensively on English heritage customs and carnival across Europe.
Keith received an MBE for his work on heritage in East Sussex
We recently did some work with the Spill Festival advising on their pyre parade.
They said after the event.
I am writing to share a short piece of video that was made of our Pyre Parade, and to thank you again for your generous time and advice .. SPILL Festival was a corker this year, with the Pyre Parade particularly gaining lots of attention within that. In the event we had just over 500 people participate – small I know compared to what you offer, but a really brilliant start for something new and unknown here in Ipswich. It was hugely friendly and felt very meaningful.
A top tip you offered us in particular was to minimise high-vis and security presence, in order for it to feel like the event belonged to participants whilst taking to the streets. This landed strongly with us and was key to how we ensured a safe experience for all, whilst enabling it to still feel exciting and organic.
So THANK YOU for your sage advice and general supportive energy, we both really appreciate it.