Crisis talks are being held after a beer festival erupted into violence.

One man was stabbed in the leg and six people were arrested during the three day festival in Alexandra Park, Hastings.

At 10.45pm on Friday, the opening night of the festival, a man was wounded in the upper right thigh near the stage while watching a Madness tribute band.

Police said a number of fights broke out on the same night and six arrests were made.

Three were arrested for causing grievous bodily harm, one for a public order offence, one for a drink-related offence and one for assaulting a police officer.

Ambulance staff tended two men with head injuries, thought to have been inflicted by beer glasses.

Police officers also reported an increase in drink related incidents in the town centre on the same night.

The cells at Hastings became so full on Friday that prisoners had to be taken to Eastbourne to be dealt with.

Superintendent Paul Curtis, head of Hastings Police, said: "We are extremely concerned at the levels of violence which occurred on Friday night at the festival.

"In previous years this has been a peaceful event and we need to know what happened. It is unacceptable and we will urgently be consulting with the organisers of the festival to ensure adequate arrangements are in place to prevent a repeat of this next year."

A spokesman for the organisers said: "The directors of the event are aware of a number of incidents that took place both within the park during the festival and in the town once the event had finished.

"These are deeply regrettable and we look forward to meeting with the various local agencies as soon as possible to discuss the issues that these incidents raise."

He said the event raised more than £35,000 for good causes and charities in Hastings, Bexhill and Battle.

Anyone with information about the stabbing is asked to contact PC Christopher Russell at Hastings police station on 0845 6070999.