Wednesday 19 August 2015

A Taste of Upcoming Theatre and Music Concerts in Eastbourne!

Eastbourne always has a great line-up of theatre productions and live music concerts for people of all ages and varying tastes, so on the blog this week we thought we'd give you a heads-up of some great shows to book tickets for in the upcoming fortnight!

Flare Path sees a television-star studded cast of talented actors portray the epic wartime romance by play-write, Terence Rattigan, in celebration of the 70th anniversary of VE day, at the Devonshire Park Theatre from 18-29 August. This brand new production is directed by rising star Justin Audibert (RSC, Young Vic, West Yorkshire Playhouse) and stars Philip Franks (Heatbeat), Olivia Hallinan (Lark Rise to Candleford), Leon Ockenden (Mr Selfridge) and Alastair Whately, (Birdsong) and is based on Rattigan's experiences as a tail gunner during World War Two. Flare Path paints an evocative portrait of life in Wartime Britain for the RAF bomber crews and their wives and sweethearts who were left awaiting their return, set in 1942 against against a backdrop of heartache and quiet bravery.

The magical panto-style production of Treasure Island runs from 27–30 August at the Royal Hippodrome Theatre and sees CITV’s Chris Edgerley take to the stage as the hero of the hour along with CBBC 'Tracy Beaker' star, Danni Harmer. Be taken on a magical trip into the world of pirates and princesses, when one of the nation’s favourite children’s novels is given a new twist, in the stunning surroundings of Eastbourne’s most historic theatre. On top of this, Little Treasures Week takes place between 24-30 August and for the terrific price of £99, a family of four (two adults and two children) will have entrance to Treasure Island Adventure Park, the Redoubt Fortress Military Museum and the Redoubt's new summer Pirate School, as well as tickets to two great shows, Treasure Island and Hooray for Hollywood at the Royal Hippdrome Theatre. All of this is available for a massive saving of £60 per family!


The Bandstand has a fabulous selection of concerts coming up, which both children and adults will love! One Direction tribute act will be bringing the energy, charisma and numerous world-wide hits of all five original 'One Directioners' to the stage, including Zayn Malik who recently left the real-life 'One Direction' group. Expected to be very popular with a younger audience, catch this unmissable tribute concert at the Bandstand on Friday 21 August! One for the older generation to 'Come Together' for, an amazing tribute to the Beatles will brought to the Bandstand by the 'Fab4', one of the world's top Beatles tribute bands, on Saturday 22 August; no Beatles fan will want to miss this night of swingin' sixties nostalgia! Lastly, one for all ages, 'The Vogue' tribute show will showcase the voice, the image, the moves and all the best hits of Madonna, the 'Queen of Pop' on Friday 28 August!

For the full details and to book tickets for all these shows and many more great theatre and entertainment events in Eastbourne, visit www.visiteastbourne.com/events or www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk.


Wednesday 5 August 2015

Top 10 Preparation Tips for Enjoying Airbourne in Comfort!

With Airbourne only 8 days away, now's the time to start thinking about the practicalities of ensuring a happy and comfortable Airbourne experience. We want you to enjoy every moment of the displays from the Vulcan, the Red Arrows, the Blades and more, in comfort, so we've put together a handy check list of all you need to prepare for a fun and safe experience! 


1. Don't forget your sun cream! We are hoping for a fabulous four days of sun, but even when the sun isn't shining in full beam, it can still be damaging, especially on the coast where the wind can cause skin to burn more easily. Make sure you apply your sun cream regularly and especially keep children topped up with sun cream!

2. ..Or your sunhut! When the sun has got his hat on, it's best to make sure that you've got your hat on too! Sitting on the beach and looking up at the sky can make you a little vulnerable to headaches, migraines and even sun stroke - so come prepared with a hat and have an enjoyable headache free Airbourne experience.

3. Essential Sunglasses! Equally important when you're looking up at the sky for a long period of time, are sunglasses. Prescription sunglasses are obviously the most ideal, but if you haven't got those then don't forget your best pair of sunnies - you don't want to be squinting whilst watching the last ever display of the Vulcan!

4. Know what's going on! Be sure to purchase your Official Souvenir Programme for Airbourne 2015 which includes the all important flying times, plus loads of interesting information on all the aircraft and display teams. Find out what there is to enjoy on the ground and also find a whole load of great discount vouchers inside too! Available from Official Programme sellers, from the Tourist Information Tent on the Wish Tower Slopes, the Seafront Office and the Eastbourne Tourist Information Centre - for just £4!

5. Protect your ears! The dazzling aircraft displays are amazing to watch, but they can be a little loud for some people - especially on little ears! If you're coming with children or you have sensitive ears, then be sure to bring some foam ear protectors to prevent any ear damage.

6. Drink plenty. It might sound obvious, but keep hydrated! Sitting in the sun for long periods of time can cause dehydration, which might lead to headaches or worse. Bring plenty to drink and enjoy Airbourne feeling hydrated, refreshed and headache free! 

7. Bring a portable Radio! There'll be some super commentary of all the displays across the four days of Airbourne, but if you aren't on a beach close to the Wish Tower Slopes you are unlikely to hear it. This is where Radio Airbourne 87.7FM comes in handy; the 5 day radio station will broadcast all the live commentary, plus exclusive pilot interviews, competitions and lots more. Bring a portable radio and tune into 87.7FM and you won't miss a thing when you're sat on a quieter beach.

8. Keep your children safe! Ensure the safety of your children at an event packed with tens of thousands of people and get them a colourful Kidzsafe wristband from the Seafront Office or the Lifeguard Station and First Aid Hut! Write down your contact details on the colour coded wristbands and in the instance a child is lost, the bands will help to reunite children and parents! 

9. Sit Comfortably! Sitting on the beach is a lot more comfortable with picnic blankets and deckchairs, so be sure to pack your blanket or hire a beach deckchair to enjoy Airbourne without getting a numb bum!

10. Be Road-Wise! Be aware that parking will be extremely difficult in Eastbourne during Airbourne, and traffic will be slow! If you live in Eastbourne, avoid driving altogether and if you are driving from further afield then make sure you leave in plenty of time to avoid missing the displays you want to see! 

That's it from us, we're totally buzzing for Airbourne now and we can't wait to welcome all our visitors to Eastbourne next week! One last thing, don't forget your camera!