Inintially covering the coastal strip from Brighton to Hastings, but open to anyone who feels connected to the Sussex Coast.

The South East Coast Hub launched in September 2021, initially reaching from Brighton to Hastings, but open to anyone who feels connected to the Sussex Coast—an area already well known for its engagement in both culture and the environment.

Cultural

• Home to the Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe – two of the largest festivals in the UK – Brighton is the region’s main cultural hub with a huge number of creative organisations and freelancers.
• Hastings’ creative sector has grown quickly over the past 10 years and has become known for the number of small independent arts organisations and events based in the town.
• There are a number of Declarers in the region and a huge potential to inspire more.

Environmental

• A unique natural environment including the South Downs National Park, Brighton & Lewes Downs UNESCO World Biosphere Region, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and 65 SSSIs (in East Sussex)
• The coastal location puts the Hub area on the front line of issues such as coastal erosion, sea level rise and most recently, pollution courtesy of Southern Water.
• Active Transition Town and other environmental groups

Political

• Brighton has the UK’s only Green MP Caroline Lucas, and the Greens also control the local authority.
• Hastings elected its first Green Councillor in 2021, and three Greens sit on East Sussex County Council 
• Both councils have declared climate and ecological emergency

Recent Activities

• In 2022, the hub responded to the Refugee Week theme of Healing, and building alliances with refugee support groups to share ideas and take action around climate justice.
• The South East Coastal Hub are running a programme of events with local artists and organisations for Earth Day 2023, across the March and April months. Take a look at what’s on and come along!

How to join

Join our Facebook group and get in touch – all welcome!
The Hub is coordinated by Persephone Pearl, ONCA Gallery, in Brighton and by CDE activist Polly Gifford in Hastings. We hold regular online meetings, and are also planning local in-person meetings and activity in each town.