Norman Road Christmas Events
KATE SHAW
The little section of Norman Road between Mercatoria and London Road has become an enclave of art and music. It is quite frankly, bursting with talent. So what wonderful news that these progressive independents are gathering together to present a showcase evening of art, music, shopping and Christmas cheer.
Wandering from my flat on Gensing Road, I will be turning left to the first stop on my artistic perambulation:
Rogue Gallery is holding its Winter Affordable Art show. A show with a difference. The items are removed once sold, and their place taken by another, so there’s a constant rotating selection of art by a range of different artists. With a £200 limit it’s a chance to invest in some accessible art and treat yourself, or someone else, to an early Christmas present.
Fleet Gallery is next. The Fleet has been closed for a while so I’m delighted to report that the new owner, Matt, will be throwing up the shutters for this event. So if you’ve missed the mix of antique furniture, paintings, sculpture and ceramics offered here, now is your chance to get reacquainted.
Hastings Antique Centre is an Aladdin’s Cave of curiosities and antiques. Always interesting to root about in here, and Robert is on hand to give you the history of anything in this considerable hoard. I don’t know how he does it.
Reel is next for a little sustenance. They offer a superb menu and a selection of festive beverages [hic] mixed and served with skill and charm. The Kino-Teatr has an evening screening of The Peasants. Complete with bar and armchairs, it offers a totally different cinematic experience. You can absorb the latest exhibition offerings with a glass of festive cheer before taking your seat for the film.
Galleria will be offering some festive surprises alongside their menu of fresh local dishes. Gianluca and Jack pride themselves on offering “what’s caught on the day” so if fresh fish, a stone’s throw from the beach, skilfully accompanied by carefully selected seasonal wines, is your thing, this is a must-stop on your tour.
OVER THE ROAD TO:
Supernature a new venture from old friends. This kitchen and bar offers an eclectic mix of food cooked in a wood-fired oven, with carefully curated drinks and a soundtrack to match. They also pride themselves on using fresh, local seasonal produce and the outside seating area has a cool vibe where you can watch the festivities unfold.
SHOP next door promises an emporium of Christmas delights and tucked within is The Wine Room run by Mark Plummer which offers over 300 hand-crafted wines.
Room always offers a friendly welcome and a chance to peruse some beautiful preloved items. I’ll certainly be calling in here to source some unique Christmas gifts and get a bickie from Charlotte for my faithful four-legged companion.
Norman Road Gallery is next on my strolling exploration of arts and crafts. Specialising in modern and contemporary British paintings, they will be hanging a mixed display of affordable art for Christmas.
Lucy Bell Gallery brings you a Rock N’ Roll Christmas. This is a vibrant collection of classic rock n’ roll images from renowned music photographers, with stunning shots from the likes of Jill Furmanovsky, Bob Gruen, Sheila Rock and Barrie Wentzell. You’ll see some classic moments as well as some previously unseen images of rock’s biggest artists including Jimi Hendrix, Sinead O’Connor, Syd Barrett, The Clash, Oasis, Pink Floyd, Amy Winehouse and so many more.
UP THE HILL TO:
Stella Dore, long time promoter of local artists with some cracking prints (I feel another Shuby purchase coming on!) and now with a new concession, The Good Mood Café, offering up festive gluten free, vegan treats, hearty soups and warming drinks. I may indulge in one of their nootropic* coffees to boost mood, brain and body. A perfect accompaniment to The Magic Forest exhibition with Beccy McCray, DLR, Abraham O, Adam Bridgland, Cat Johnston, Haus of Lucy and Tim Sanders.
If I’m flagging by now Rock Body Soul crystal and wellbeing store is on hand to help. Owner Sally prides herself on responsibly sourcing her crystals and she has some beautiful and unusual books and gifts for the more esoteric of your clan.
Mike’s Place is always groovy with its intimate speakeasy vibe and guaranteed good music. Need I say more?
Solaris will be showcasing a new exhibition: Lynda Laird: An Imperfect Account of a Comet. An audio-visual installation celebrating the celestial discoveries of 18th-century astronomer Caroline Herschel.
Cresting the hill, what will I find at Project 78? This gallery and project space showcases emerging and established artists working in any medium.
A last chance to buy Christmas gifts at Number 90, offering textiles, jewellery, local and handmade, new and preowned before my final stop, The Horse and Groom – for that most classic Christmas event, a pantomime! Jack and the Beanstalk runs for three nights from Friday at 8pm and tickets are selling fast. All panto proceeds go to Saint Michael’s Hospice.
Norman Road Christmas Events will happen all along Norman Road, St Leonards, on Friday 15 December, 5-9 pm.
We hope you have enjoyed reading this article. The future of our volunteer led, non-profit publication would be far more secure with the aid of a small donation. You can also support local journalism by becoming a friend of HIP. It only takes a minute and we would be very grateful.
Leave a Reply