Good Grief Hastings is coming!

We’re excited to share with you that the Good Grief Hastings festival will be taking place in May 2026, with creative workshops, performances, film, music, talks and more – offering different ways to think about and share experiences of grief.

Where did Good Grief begin?
Good Grief Festival was founded in 2020 by Professor Lucy Selman at the University of Bristol. Originally created as an online event during the pandemic, it aimed to bring grief and bereavement into the open, encourage conversations and support people grieving in isolation. Since then, it has grown into a nationally recognised festival, bringing researchers, healthcare professionals and counsellors, artists and communities together to talk openly and creatively about grief.

When and where will it be?
The festival will take place in lots of different locations across Hastings on the last May bank holiday weekend, Friday 22nd May – Monday 25th May 2026.

What kind of events and activities will there be?
There will be a wide range of events, entertainment, activities and talks that will cater to many interests. Examples of just a few of those events include:

• Hey Good Lookin’ – An evening of story and song with Bev Lee Harling who weaves together touching memories of life with her father who she lost to dementia.
• A microcinema screening shorts made by local filmmakers.
• Visual art exhibitions at Hastings Museum and Art Gallery and Electro Studios Project Space.
• A silent disco where you can dance as a way to reflect, remember and reconnect with joy.
• Death Cafe style friendly and warm discussion groups.

Keep an eye on the Good Grief Hastings website for the full list of events.

Who’s involved in organising the festival?

Good Grief Hastings is being produced by 18 Hours in partnership with St Michael’s Hospice, Good Grief Festival CIC and the University of Brighton as part of the Coastal Community and Creative Health Project. Local organisations and creative people from the Hastings area will also be involved.

How can I keep up to date or find out more information?
We’ll share more details soon, so please follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated.

You can also learn more about the Good Grief Festival and Coastal Community and Creative Health Project mission on their websites.

If you need help with grief or loss, we offer free bereavement support to all adults living in Hastings and Rother, whether or not you have a connection to the Hospice.

Email the St Michael’s Hospice Bereavement Support team for more information.