Hastings’ answer to New Orleans’ Mardi Gras festival, Fat Tuesday is heavily inspired by the chaos and decadence of carnival, expressed through great food, music and partying. In its ninth year it will once again showcase a wealth of local musical talent over five days. Skinny Lister, Sean McGowan, Jetstream Pony, Kid Kapichi and Chiedu Oraka are among the first 30 acts announced, with many more to come. Past acts have included Dodgy, The Membranes, and Skunk Anansie, alongside established and emerging artists from across the UK.
This year’s Friday night headliners in particular, promise a great live show. Skinny Lister combine punk and folk influences to produce a highly accessible sound that still manages to crackle with energy, and is sure to get everyone dancing in the true Mardis Gras spirit. This six piece band are soon off on tour in the US, so don’t miss them!
Chiedu Oraka, whose lyrics draw on his northern working class background, is also tipped as a pioneer of the urban rap scene. Introducing him in Humberside BBC’s Alan Raw stated: “Grit and realism slap you in the ears when Chiedu Oraka gets the mic.”
Also on the line-up for this year’s festival are: Trevor Moss & Hannah Lou, Alibi, Mr Wilson’s Second Liners, Bollywood Brass Band, Dr Savage, Mama Josie, White Rose, La Lune, King Size Slim, Gavin Martin, Dark Matta, Sister Suzie, Saint Apache, Orange Circus Band, Billionaire, The Imaginary Hat, 40 Shillings on the Drum, Sleaze, Spit, Sabrina Gunston, Ded Rabbit, Someone Anyone, Blue Lilly, The Meat and Onions Gang, and The Kiffs.

Co-founder and producer of the festival Adam Daly stated: “We are delighted to welcome some of the best emerging and established acts from all over the UK to Hastings Fat Tuesday this year, as well as many great local artists.” Another eclectic line up stretched over multiple venues means Fat Tuesday remains a true reflection of the colour and diversity of Mardi gras.
The festival runs from the 9th to the 13th February – tickets are available here.