Nightingales at Good Grief Hastings

Part of a selection of shorts curated by young people on themes of grief, love, loss, hope, transformation and change.

Good Grief Hastings brought together more than 3,500 people over four days for a programme of talks, performances, exhibitions, workshops, film screenings and shared creative experiences across Hastings and St Leonards. Alongside the public programme, an extensive community outreach programme engaged local schools, charities and community groups through creative workshops exploring memory, storytelling, movement, songwriting, poetry and making, ensuring the festival was shaped with the community as well as for it.

From nationally recognised speakers and artists to community-led activities, the festival invited people to explore grief, love and loss in ways that felt welcoming, accessible and meaningful. Whether joining a conversation, making something by hand, experiencing live performance or simply spending time with others, people were encouraged to take part in whatever way felt right for them.

Produced by 18 Hours in partnership with St Michael’s Hospice Hastings & Rother, Good Grief Festival CIC and the Universities of Brighton and Bristol, Good Grief Hastings formed part of the Coastal Community and Creative Health research project. The festival brought together arts organisations, healthcare providers, researchers, community groups and local people, demonstrating how creativity can reduce isolation, encourage open conversations around grief, and build stronger, more connected communities. The festival was supported using public funding from Arts Council England, the Arts and Humanities Research Council through the Coastal Community and Creative Health project, and Hastings Borough Council, with additional support in-kind from project partners.