Celebrate Heritage at the Edith Festival
HANNAH-LOUISE SAMPSON
The Edith Festival, a vibrant highlight of this year’s Hastings Week, promises an evening where ancient legend meets modern fun with a generous dash of Anglo-Saxon spirit. Organised by the Friends of Edith, the festival will take place on Saturday 18 October at the Marina Fountain pub, right opposite the iconic Edith statue. The event invites locals and visitors to dive into the world of Beowulf – one of the oldest and most famous English poems.
It will include a dramatic reading of an abridged version of Beowulf, titled Edith, A King,Three Monsters and a Hero, delivered in modern English for those who struggle with their Medieval English (as we all sometimes do!). The experience doesn’t stop at a simple reading – there are acted speeches, images and a short video of its opening section in Old English with haunting lyre music. The whole spectacle is designed ‘in the round’, with audience members seated in the centre. As the legend unfolds, guests can dine on themed food and drinks. Alongside the usual Marina Fountain menu, there will be a selection of themed foods, like ‘Grendel Burger-in-a-basket’ (to catch the blood!) which can be washed down with a glass of mead-ale.
The event will be one that history and literature lovers can’t miss, as, after the poetry reading, there will be a chance to dive into discussions on the poetic history, meaning and possible interpretations and significance, while even considering the potential influence on both Edith Swanneck and modern life today. The evening strikes a perfect balance between entertaining and learning, making it both an educational and enjoyable outing for everyone to enjoy.
Tickets can be found on eventbrite.co.uk for £10. The event will take place on 18 October from 7pm-10pm at the Marina Fountain, St Leonards.
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