Make 2016 THE year that you visit Hastings & 1066 Country, the birthplace of modern England. Take a fresh look at Hastings and 1066 Country, renowned for its history and heritage and a growing centre of excellence for the quality of its arts and culture.

In commemoration of the battle which changed the course of English history, an extensive programme of events will take place throughout 2016, with the main event period spanning the summer and culminating in September and October.

• Root 1066 International Festival, Hastings, Battle, Bexhill, Normandy.
• Battle Festival runs throughout October, and includes a collaboration with Glyndebourne.
• 15 & 16 October sees the spectacular re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings.
• New developments at English Heritage 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey & Battlefield include the opening up of the Great Gatehouse to give a bird's eye view of the battlefield.
• At Battle Museum of Local History three tapestries and the only axe head ever recovered from the 1066 battlefield will be on display throughout 2016 season.
• Illuminated Abbey: 1066 Story, Abbey & Battlefield, December.

Root 1066 International Festival: 10 Sept – 2 October 2016: Hastings, Battle, Bexhill, Normandy

New contemporary arts festival launched to commemorate one of English history's most important dates.

Root 1066 will comprise spectacular indoor and outdoor events across 1066 Country in East Sussex staged by internationally renowned artists and companies. Glyndebourne Opera, Chris Levine, Wildworks Theatre, Marcus Harvey, The Hofesh Shechter Company and Turner Prize short-listed Fiona Banner – plus many more - will present specially-commissioned works and major exhibitions at venues throughout 1066 Country, including partner galleries the Jerwood, De La Warr Pavilion and Hastings Museum and Art Gallery.

Root 1066 then passes the baton to English Heritage and the Battle Festival – in Battle, the site of the Battle of Hastings - who carry this through to the end of 2016.

 For more comprehensive details of the 950th anniversary events, please contact:

Jane Ellis 
Tourism Marketing Officer, 1066 Country Marketing
jmellis@hastings.gov.uk          
01424 451113