_ The Music HBMF 2012 – LINE-UP
6-7 July 2012

Battle of Hastings Proms (Thursday Night)

Following last year’s sell out smash (and 2010’s sell out debut before that!), conductor Roger Wilcock returns with the Hastings BIG Choir to set the skies of Hastings soaring to the orchestral delights of our traditional Proms night.

With singalong songs, rousing classics and flag-waving favourites, the 150-strong BIG choir and Roger’s full orchestra are sure to bring a touch of magic to the evening, making it the most memorable Proms event this side of the Blue Danube – and all for charity.

See the Battle Of Hastings Proms website for more details.

Friday night

Home-grown chart-toppers Keane return to headline the Hastings Beer & Music Festival after making their stunning, sell-out debut in 2005 – and they’re bigger, better and bolder than ever. With international acclaim and number one albums under their belt, they’re certain to tap into the very best of the HBMF spirit to have everyone singing, dancing and waving their hands in the air for an unforgettable night’s music and showmanship, reminding everyone why their brand of melodic stadium fillers captured the imagination of the world.

Ahead of Keane, SPIN return to the stage after their knockout HBMF debut last year, combining rock classics with modern hits and real soul, all wrapped up in an energetic show that’s set to crank up the energy and make for an awesome night.

Making their HBMF debut, local rising stars Virgin Soldiers are bringing their unique blend of energy and heartfelt songscapes – played out in original songs and arresting classic covers – in an unusual line-up that will set your pulses racing in just the right way.

Opening the night is host (and member of the organising committee) Christophe Philipps with his trusty acoustic guitar, singing original songs, singalong classics and rhythmic belters – and setting the tone for a truly unforgettable night.

Overseeing the whole night is DJ Matt James, working his magic to make sure the energy never dips between the bands, while his impressive VJ-ing lends a visual treat to the music of the night.

Family Fun Day and Saturday Showcase

Last year’s debut Saturday Showcase on the Family Fun Day proved a real hit, giving the cream of local music and dance talent a stage to show us what they could do, and families the perfect day out in the sun with great beer and food, great games and great entertainment.

This year promises to be even better. With Fusion Street Dance returning to open the show, City on Fire, The Rufus Stone Band, The Gooches, Rich Lown, Sambalanco and host Christophe Philipps will once again to take to the stage to showcase their original music talents – joined by The Kid Kapichi, Ashley Scrace and a host of other local brilliant new and emerging performers, as well as awesome DJ-ing and VJ-ing from DJ Matt James overseeing the whole day, and the brilliant showmanship of Cut the Mustard to close the day in true summer style.

It’s the perfect summer family fun day, supporting the local music and dance scene – and raising money for charity to boot.

Saturday ‘Rock and Raucous’ night

Headlining our inaugural ‘Rock and Raucous’ night – a twist on our traditional ‘Rock night’ – is the awesome, insane Ska’d For Life, bringing their special blend of energy and boystrous beats to HBMF for the first time. With these guys on board, something tells us this will be a night to remember for years to come – and a brilliant close to the festival.

Ahead of Ska’d For Life, HBMF favourites Not Guilty return after a fear years’ hiatus. With an amazing set of classic rock tunes and singalong favourites, they’re the perfect band to get you jumping and doing what you do best – rocking out, HBMF-style.

Hastings legends Cushty once again take to the stage to bring their unforgettable mix of crazy stage antics, unashamed energy and killer hits to the HBMF audience they know and love – and prove that when you’re this good, you don’t need tricks or gimmicks. The thrill of the music says it all.

Making their HBMF night session debut following their impressive appearance at last year’s launch Saturday Showcase, Dorey the Wise are opening the inaugural ‘Rock and Raucous’. And with a fresh take on classic hits, they’re sure to bring the energy up a notch or two in fine form and warm even the most rock-reluctant heart.

Host Christophe Philipps once again opens the night with a rhythmic singalong set that’s anything but chilled – it’s rock and roof-raising, acoustic style.

And again, DJ Matt James is there to oversee the night with all your favourite rock and raucous tunes and some amazing VJ-ing – bringing the energy up to 11 and making HBMF 2012 the best it’s ever been.