Following the successful conclusion of Hastings Fat Tuesday Music Festival (HFT) 2025, Co-Directors Sally Lampitt and Adam Daly have announced that they will be stepping down from their roles later this year.
For over a decade, this duo has passionately orchestrated HFT, crafting a vibrant year-round program alongside the flagship festival. Adam’s journey began alongside original founder Bob Tipler, where he played a crucial role in nurturing the Fat Tuesday Festival from its humble beginnings as a one-day event 16 years ago into a musical showcase that championed local talent. When Bob stepped back, Sally joined forces with Adam, and together, further developed the current five-day festival of music and Mardi Gras, that includes a music conference, Mardi Gras ball, Sonics experimental strand (conceived by Danny Pockets) alongside all the other highlights.
Hastings Fat Tuesday has become a cornerstone of the local cultural landscape that captivates audiences of all ages. The festival not only showcases a diverse range of musical genres, from local, national and international artists but it also serves as a platform for emerging musicians. Over the years this has allowed them to share the stage with established acts such as Dodgy, Skunk Anansie, Baxter Drury, The Magic Numbers, The Membranes, and Glen Matlock. This blend of talent has fostered an environment of creativity and collaboration, making HFT a melting pot for musical innovation and a nurturing ground for creativity.
One of the festival’s defining features is its commitment to accessibility. By offering free events, HFT actively breaks down financial barriers, ensuring that everyone can partake in the celebration, regardless of their economic background. By encouraging residents to come together to celebrate their shared heritage, and enjoy the unique cultural offerings of their town, the festival helps to cultivate a positive atmosphere, reinforcing the idea that Hastings and St Leonards are places where creativity thrives and communities unite.
This ethos of inclusivity extends beyond just the audience; local musicians and artists are encouraged to participate, and the festival has become a reflection of Hastings and St Leonards — a diverse and eclectic mix of talent and culture.
HFT also plays a pivotal role in uplifting the local economy. As the festival draws visitors from near and far, local businesses, including shops, restaurants, and hotels, benefit from increased foot traffic and patronage. This influx not only provides a much-needed boost during the quieter months, by supporting these businesses, HFT contributes to the sustainability of Hastings and St Leonards as vibrant towns.
Recognising the importance of nurturing the next generation of artists, the directors wanted to develop year-round activities with a particular focus on youth engagement. Their commitment to fostering a vibrant music scene for young people came to fruition in 2021 when they secured funding from Arts Council England (ACE) and engaged a General Manager, Hannah Deeble, to support the development of the organisation. This funding enabled the establishment of the Fat Tuesday Club, a weekly music-making session for young people aged 12-18, led by inspirational facilitator Trevor Deeble. This initiative not only provides a creative outlet for young musicians but also fosters a sense of belonging and community amongst participants.
In addition to the Fat Tuesday Club, Sally and Adam envisioned a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talent. This led to the launch of “Under The Radar,” a monthly music night originally hosted in collaboration with BBC Introducing The South. This event serves as a springboard for new talent, offering aspiring musicians the opportunity to perform in front of an audience and gain exposure in the industry.
The initiatives they’ve established demonstrate a lasting commitment to the community and the future of the local music scene and their legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate for years to come.
Quote from Sally and Adam
“It has been a tremendous privilege to play a part in the growth and evolution of Hastings Fat Tuesday. While we will certainly miss the energy and excitement of orchestrating the festival, and the year round activities we believe that now is the right time to pass the torch to a new team that can carry it forward into the future. We’d like to thank the many people who have contributed over the years to make the festival a success; the venues, the musicians, the many freelance staff and finally the people of Hastings and St Leonards for their continued support.”
What Next?
As Sally and Adam prepare to step down, the future of HFT remains bright. Their dedication and passion have laid a strong foundation and the festival’s commitment to supporting local talent, engaging the community, and promoting inclusivity will be essential as it evolves and grows.
Over recent years, they have cultivated a robust team dedicated to advancing the organisation’s mission.
Alongside Hannah, they welcomed Elliot Lampitt as Festival Coordinator. Both have brought new perspectives and invaluable skills to the team. HFT will be in great hands with Hannah, Elliot and Trevor stepping up as the new directors, bringing fresh ideas and energy to continue HFT’s legacy.
The organisation will see some further changes with James Weaver, joined by William Bunch, taking Sonics in an exciting new direction as an independent organisation. James has been instrumental in curating and developing the strand since its inclusion in 2015.
With their combined expertise, vision and commitment to the ethos of HFT Sally and Adam are confident that the organisations will continue to thrive and evolve in the years to come.