A council is on the hunt for new operators to take on an “extremely popular” fish festival.

Hastings Borough Council wants to hear from operators who think they can take on the running of the Midsummer Fish Fest, which takes place towards the end of June annually, and the Seafood and Wine Festival during the third weekend in September.

Councillor Andy Batsford, lead councillor for tourism and culture, said: “Hastings Borough Council has built these events into important key moments in the year that attract thousands of visitors to our town to celebrate our fishing heritage and the incredible food we have here in our sea, cafes and restaurants.

“But now we feel that it’s time to set them free, re-imagine them and we’re looking to the Hastings community, local businesses or entrepreneurs to take these events to the next level.

“This is a great opportunity to use our existing well-established fish festival branding and dates to continue and expand these events. It would be great if local traders, businesses and eateries could also be included in these weekends.

“We are asking anyone who is interested to contact Kevin Boorman at kboorman@hastings.gov.uk for more information.”