Hastings Loves St Mary in the Castle

Aim

We want to be able to bring our audience back to St Mary in the Castle, Hastings

Sadly, not a plug for this year’s panto at St Mary’s, but a description of that magnificent venue in the time of Covid-19. Like theatres and concert halls up an down the country, St Mary in the Castle closed its doors to the public in March, and has lain dormant since then. Plans for re-opening have had to be been postponed several times, and it is now unrealistic to hope for performances and events to recommence until the Spring.

It has been frustrating to have to abandon an exciting programme of events especially as St Mary in the Castle was becoming established as a major centre for the arts, and host to events of national and even international significance, and despite the uncertainty there are bookings for major events throughout 2021 into 2022. Of course, we are not alone in feeling the effects of the pandemic, as venues and audiences alike are deprived of the opportunity to enjoy live entertainment, and performers, artists, technicians have found themselves without work.

More than that, we have suffered a financial hit too — as a local charity, at the best of times with no local or central government funding, it is no easy task to make ends meet, and without the regular income from events it has become especially hard. A building of such historical and cultural importance requires constant maintenance, which is often expensive.

Now, here is the dilemma: it would be great to get back to putting on events at St Mary’s, especially as remaining closed is a drain on finite resources; but reopening while necessary restrictions are in force to protect public, performers and staff would involve expensive cleaning and alterations to the building, and to comply with social distancing would severely restrict the size of audiences — likely to the extent that many performances would be financially unviable.

For the time being then, the beauty sleeps, dreaming of the kiss that will wake her to live happily ever after, rescued by a Prince Charming with a remedy for the virus, or cash injection - please be our Prince Charming, because we know Hastings loves St Mary in the Castle.

Fortunately, she can slumber comfortably for a while yet, but not too long, we hope.

“This Venue is a jewel and should
be recognised as such. Whether you are a full orchestra, a solo artist or jazz ensemble, this versatile performance space is a unique location integral to our festival and programme of concerts and events throughout the year. It’s stunning facade and cathedral like proportions are like no other venue I have produced concerts in, and it deserves to be cherished so that it continues to programme world class artists and events”

Ian Roberts Managing Director Hastings International Piano Festival and Concerto Competition

We have run the main Jack in the Green concerts and dances out of St Mary in the castle. It is in many ways the hub of our ticketed activities. It is a fantastic venue, intimate in feel yet large enough to put on well-known artists. The staff are very helpful, nothing is too much trouble. Once we had a street event rained off and a swift telephone call had the venue open and ready. I have also run other concerts there with national touring bands and it has always been a success.

Keith Leech MBE
Hastings Traditional Jack in the Green.

St Mary In The Castle, Hastings is a truly unique and exceptional venue which deserves the support that they are seeking for the future.

The Rye International Jazz Festival have been developing a number of very exciting future projects with the excellent and professional team at St Mary In The Castle. 

Please support this wonderful venue as St Mary In The Castle  is a beacon for live performance not only in Hastings but also across the South East.

Ian Bowden – Festival Director, Rye International Jazz Festival.

St Mary in the Castle in Hastings is one of the most unique, characteristic and beautiful buildings we have ever put shows on at. We always enjoy seeing the venue full of people having a great evening to great music. We also love that kids are welcome at the shows (accompanied by an adult of course), as there is nothing like seeing wide eyed kids turning up who are maybe attending their first proper gig, and their presence always makes it an even more fantastic atmosphere, and part of the vibe we love about St Marys. Split between a great sized dance floor, and ample seating in the balcony's, this is easily one of my favourite places to put on music events. The staff are amazing and friendly, and it's always been a joy working with the venue, and they are always focused on having a varied program to cater for all theatre/arts/music. 

Seth - Black Rabbit Productions

This project successfully funded on 25th November 2020