The Great Whelk Eating Competition Courthouse Street. The 4th Annual Competition for the title of the “Hastings Champion Whelk Eater”. Give a fiver donation to Hastings Lifeboat and try your luck at breaking the time record for eating a pint of fresh Hastings Whelks. The Winner receives an engraved Cup and Crown to be held for one year. Sponsored by White's Seafood & Steak Bar Another High Street Traders’ event.