The Community Assembly of Hastings is located in a seaside town and borough in East Sussex on the south coast of England. The town gives its name to the Battle of Hastings, which took place 8 mi (13 km) to the north-west at Senlac Hill in 1066. It later became one of the medieval Cinque Ports. 

In the 19th century, it was a popular seaside resort, as the railway allowed tourists and visitors to reach the town. Today, Hastings is a popular seaside resort and is still a fishing port with the England’s largest beach-based fishing fleet.

The first mention of Hastings is found in the late 8th century in the form Hastingas. This is derived from the Old English tribal name Hæstingas , meaning 'the followers of Hæsta '. Evidence of prehistoric settlements have been found at the town site such as flint arrowheads and Bronze Age artefacts. Iron Age forts have been excavated on both the East and West Hills.