Magical Seasonal Events in Eastbourne Not to be Missed this Christmas!

This year, like all others, Eastbourne has an abundance of Christmas events, shows and attractions from now until Christmas Day and beyond! There is sure to be something to suit all of the diverse tastes of visitors (and residents). So, whether your preference is for bustling Christmas markets, for slapstick comedy in the form of 'Panto', or sparkling light shows and Winter Wonderland magic, Eastbourne has a slice of Christmas for everyone to enjoy! 

Neon Noel

In 2015 Eastbourne celebrates it's 700th year as a market town, and to mark the rather remarkable anniversary, Eastbourne's Chamber of Commerce has organised a spectacular 'Neon Noel' luminale light and audio show! The first of it's kind on the South Coast, the light and audio show will project the story and history of Eastbourne onto the Town Hall clock tower, located in Little Chelsea! Kicking off on Friday 4 December at 4.30pm during Little Christmas in Little Chelsea, the dazzling five minute light and audio show will be played at 4.30, 5.30 and 6.30pm every day from 4-13 December; this will be a truly magical and unique experience!

Little Christmas in Little Chelsea

Talking of Little Chelsea, the annual street market celebration 'Little Christmas' in the quaint Little Chelsea area of Eastbourne, brings a host of entertainment, food and drink and market stalls for late night shopping! From 4pm on Friday 4 December, Grove Road and South Street, the heart of Little Chelsea, will bring the sounds and smells of Christmas to life! This year Little Chelsea has gone all out to create the most wonderful of events for people of all ages! Santa can be visited in his grotto, they'll be visits from Disney Princesses, Anna and Else, Cinderella and Belle, Morris dancers, funfair rides, carol singing and Oh ho ho, so much more!

Christmas Markets at Eastbourne Bandstand and Traditional Christmas Concerts

Another brand new Christmas event for this year, Eastbourne's Bandstand will transform into a bustling outdoor Christmas market, reminiscent of traditional markets found in many European cities such as Cologne, Vienna and Brussels! From 9-13 December, the market will be open from 10am until 7pm, where shoppers can make many festive finds, perfect for gifts for loved ones. With festive food, mulled wine and lots more magic to be found at the Bandstand, there is no need to escape to the continent for the magic of a Christmas market! Don't forget about the Bandstand's traditional concerts, which are all free to attend and really bring people together on Christmas Day morning, Boxing Day morning and New Year's Day, to celebrate the season to be jolly!

Drusillas Park Winter Wonderland

The UK's best small zoo, Drusillas, switched on the lights to their own sparkling illumination light show earlier this month! A visit to the Winter Wonderland Illuminations, which has been a very popular attraction for many years, will make for an unforgettably magic experience for the family! A visit to Drusillas this Christmas would be incomplete without meeting and greeting Father Christmas in his cosy Christmas Cottage; for an additional £10, children can meet Father Christmas and receive a great little early Christmas gift. Find him there during weekends from 21 November and then daily from 12 until 23 December, before he must fly back to the North Pole to prepare for his epic journey across the world on Christmas Eve! 

Santa Fun Run

Don a Santa suit and burn some calories before the Christmas indulgence begins! The annual Myaware Santa Fun Run and Walk takes place on Sunday 6 December at 1.30pm! The three mile course sees participants pacing along the prom and ending up at Holywell Tea Chalet, to be rewarded with a hot drink and mince pie. Do you fancy taking part? You'll receive your very own Santa suit to wear whilst you run and keep afterwards and you'll help in raising awareness of and money for Myaware - a charity fighting against the Myasthenia Gravis neuromuscular disease! Don't miss out on this great chance to get into the Christmas spirit and help raise funds for a very good cause!

Coca-Cola Truck stops in Eastbourne

Holidays are coming, Holidays are coming... and so is the big red Coca-Cola Truck! The iconic truck, which has featured in Coca-Cola's famous seasonal adverts for years (2015 is the twentieth anniversary year of the adverts which are recognised around the world), is touring the country in December and Eastbourne was chosen as one of it's pit-stop destinations! You can visit the truck and take your picture next to it on Friday 18 December from 12-8pm, where it will be parked in the pedestrianised precinct of Terminus Road, just outside Debenhams!

Eastbourne Panto - Peter Pan

Of course Christmas would be incomplete without laughter, song and dance in the form of a slapstick comedy pantomime! With a sprinkling of fairy dust, Peter Pan comes to the Devonshire Park Theatre in a panto debut! Eastbourne Theatres will tell the family favourite story of Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, his little fairy friend Tinker Bell and the Darling children as they take to the skies and adventure in enchanting Neverland! From 11 December 2015 until 17 January 2016 a star-studded cast featuring Ewan Goddard as Peter Pan, Brian Capron as his nemesis Captain Hook, Martyn Knight as Mrs Smee and 'Britain's Got Talent' runners-up, Twist and Pulse, will present the most enchanting of pantomimes, which both adults and children will fall in love with! 


There are many, many more Christmas events for you to discover this month, including after hours shopping at Towner Art Gallery, a plethora of yuletide theatre productions and more visits from Father Christmas! Head to the VisitEastbourne Christmas page to discover more!

Seasons Greetings and Happy Christmas!

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.

So Much to See and Do in Eastbourne this Summer Holidays!

Eastbourne is not only the UK's sunniest place, but it also has a whole host of activities to keep children entertained during the school summer holidays! With free activities like rock pooling or a picnic in one of Eastbourne's many parks, as well as Pirate School at the Redoubt Fortress and magic in the sky at Eastbourne's free air show, Airbourne, no child could possibly get bored in Eastbourne this summer!

Every Tuesday evening between 28 July and 1 September, Eastbourne's well-loved Bandstand is home to the rockin' Kids Party Nights, where children's entertainers such as 'AKA' and 'Frankie Says', blast out chart and musical favorites for children to sing and dance to. 

Whilst some of the popular tribute concerts this season are more familiar to older generations, there's one which will definitely have flocks of young girls (and boys too) heading in 'one direction' to Eastbourne Bandstand! One Direction tribute act will belt out 'What Makes You Beautiful', 'Live While We're Young' and other hit songs from the world-famous boy band, on Friday 21 August!

Regular school might be out, but Pirate School is in at the Redoubt Fortress! A drop-in style activity programme open every day from 23 July until 1 September, Pirate School allows your little scallywags to release their inner pirate! Dressing-up, dancing and singing the songs of the sea, walking the plank, digging for treasure and learning the lingo, are all ways in which children can 'graduate' from Pirate School this summer!

Little Treasures week from 24-30 August makes for unbeatable value for family fun at some of Eastbourne's best attractions! For just £99 for a family of four, a Little Treasures family pass includes two shows at the Royal Hippodrome Theatre, 'Treasure Island' and 'Hooray for Hollywood', entry to Pirate School at the Redoubt and entry to Treasure Island theme park!

For children wanting to learn many all-important life-saving skills, Tyro Lifeguard courses taught by Eastbourne's Lifeguards run throughout the school holidays! The courses for able-swimmers aged between 8 and 14 teach skills such as basic first aid, paddle board training and more!

'50 Things to Do Before You're 11 3/4 Explorer Week' from 25 July to 2 August provides adventurous children with the opportunity to try raft building, learn navigation skills and explore rock pools, in various courses run by the National Trust at Birling Gap!

Eastbourne's annual international air show, Airbourne is the perfect reason to make a flying visit to Eastbourne from 13-16 August, with a packed-out flying programme complete with a superb live music line-up that all the family can enjoy!

For more information on all the ways to keep children having fun on the Sunshine Coast this summer go to VisitEastbourne.com!

Magnificent Motors and More to Make the Most Perfect Vintage Visit to Eastbourne

Eastbourne has one of the most stunning Victorian promenades, Pier and many Victorian buildings which adds beauty and history to our Seaside Town. However, Eastbourne offers up so much more in the way of vintage for a stylish break by the sea.

For a truly vintage festival, a visit to Eastbourne this Bank Holiday weekend is a must, when 'Magnificent Motors' takes over Eastbourne's Western Lawns. The free festival will showcase hundreds of vintage and classic cars, motorbikes, buses and steam powered vehicles.

Step back in time and admire the beautiful motors on display, imaging the journey's they made in wartime Britain, the swinging sixties and post-war America, and learning about the stories behind the cars and their previous owners.

Modern day Ferrari's, Porsche and Lotus models are just a small handful of the beautiful motors which can be found at the seafront motoring festival, and every motoring fan will find something to get their gears going! 

Magnificent Motors runs between 2 and 3 May, and begins each day with a seafront cavalcade at 10am, from the Eastern Seafront (near to Sovereign Harbour) to the Western Lawns - showing off the vintage variety of vehicles for all to admire. The lawns will be filled with exhibits, live bands and childrens's rides to complete the vintage festival atmosphere. The four day continental market from 1-4 May, will have many delicious foods on offer, so why not take a picnic basket and blanket for a lunch beside the sea? Put the pedal to the metal and get yourself down to Eastbourne for stunning cars in the sunshine!

If you're looking for a way to explore the beautiful South Downs National Park, then jumping on board a 1920's Rolls Royce Tourer, on a brand new vintage chauffer-driven tour is the perfect way to see it. 

Work up an appetite taking in all the beauty of the Sussex countryside, and indulge in an Afternoon Tea at one of the many hotels and cafe's in Eastbourne offering up vintage teas. The Grand Hotel, often dubbed as 'Downton-by-Sea' is a classic and historical hotel of grand beauty, inside and out, and for an elegant Afternoon Tea this is where one should go. The clifftop Hydro Hotel offers up fabulous art deco interior and gorgeous gardens to devour a delicious Sussex cream tea in. The Redoubt Fortress's very own vintage styled cafe, The Outpost, serves a very purse friendly and appetizing 'General's Cream Tea', in surroundings reminiscent of a world-war two living room! 

On Friday 2 May, step back in time at the opening night of the Bandstand season - when the Legends Tribute extravaganza brings the Grade 2 listed Victorian Bandstand to life! The Legends Tribute Show will have you reliving your teenage memories as you dance away to hits from rock and pop legends from past decades, including Johnny Cash, Lionel Richie, Buddy Holly, The Euyrthmics, Bonnie Tyler, Madonna, Amy Winehouse and many many more! A dazzling firework display will make a grand finale ending to the show!

So, put your best frock on and come and experience the fabulous vintage fun on offer in Eastbourne this May Bank Holiday!

Come to Eastbourne for a Dirty Knees Up this Bank Holiday Weekend!

Eastbourne, usually a very clean town, is getting messy in May with a packed-out Bank Holiday weekend of dirty, mucky and down right messy fun! 

Magnificent Motors By Graham Huntley

Motoring fans can get messy with grease as they admire the 'Magnificent Motors' of over 400 classic and vintage cars, not to mention motorbikes, buses, vans, military and steam engines, all on the Western Lawns on Eastbourne's gorgeous seafront from 2-3 May. On Sunday night, head to the Arlington Stadium for even more high octane thrills when Eastbourne Eagles race in a national speedway league fixture on the dusty motorbike racing track.

Friday 1 May sees the Bandstand season kick off with a dramatic BANG with a fireworks display to end a concert of legendary rock and pop in the 'Legends TributeShow'. Get your rock on and remember your dirty concert days, with tributes acts impersonating Billy Idol, Prince, Dire Straits, Blondie and many many more!

Hilarious theatre show 'Dirty Dusting' on Saturday 2 May at the Royal Hippodrome, will challenge your perceptions of a housekeeping service. Staring ITV Benidorm’s Crissy Rock, this heart-warming comedy tells the story of three 'blue-rinse' cleaning ladies, who inadvertently start up a telephone sex chat line. 

For some grittier culture, why not take a self-guided Heritage Walking Tour and learn about the seedier side of Eastbourne’s history, discovering grisly murders and wartime events. The 200 year old Redoubt Fortress reveals some spooky cells and next door, Eastbourne’s new Summerdown Camp exhibition unearths some fascinating archaeological finds from the UK’s largest WW1 convalescent camp which opened in Eastbourne 100 years ago.

Eastbourne's promenade will become a hub for rich pungent smells, as the continental market provides gourmet cheeses and lots more of the smelly food variety, from 1-4 May. Clean up your act and treat your partner to a romantic picnic on the Western Lawns, whilst admiring the vintage vehicles. As the day draws to a close, head to the Grand Hotel, England’s only 5 star coastal luxury hotel, to enjoy the perfect Dirty Martini pre-dinner cocktail on the terrace. 

Foodies can get their hands dirty by the seaside, at The Belgian Cafe ripping open delicious mussels, which come in 50 different varieties. Or why not go for the classic seaside dinner in a paper bag, with fish and chips from The Chippy at the Pier - sit on the beach and enjoy the salty air as it blows through your hair!

The Mowbray 4 star guesthouse is offering free ‘Dirty Dusting’ theatre tickets with every booking of three nights or more.  To book call 01323 710012 or visit www.themowbray.com

For more information and accommodation visit www.visiteastbourne.com. 

Easter in Sunny Eastbourne

There are plenty of egg-citing goings on in Eastbourne this Easter Bank Holiday weekend, whether you need to entertain some little ones, or want to enjoy a great afternoon at the annual Easter Bandstand Concert, there is something to make you all happy bunnies!

Drusillas Bunny

The traditional Easter Concert kicks off the Bandstand season on Easter Sunday, and it's free for all to attend! The well known 'Eastbourne Silver Band' directed by Geoff Broom, will bring the Bandstand alive with the sound of brass music and sing along classical favourites. Come along and enjoy a great Easter afternoon with family and friends!

On Sunday 5 April and Monday 6 April, head to the Llama Park's Easter Fiesta at Ashdown Forest, where the park has something for all the family! Children will love the Craft Fair and family walks with the llamas! Parents can enjoy an 'Exhibition of Historic Vehicles', the 'Crawley Millenium Band' and a beer tent with chicken and chips baskets! 

Chocolate lovers will thoroughly enjoy following the Spring Bird Explorer Trail in the garden at Bateman's this Easter, with a Cadbury's prize at the end of it! Explore the grounds at Bateman's to spot the nests hidden in the garden and work out who laid the eggs! A Cadbury EggHead will be waiting at the end for those who complete this Easter quest!

Hop on board the Easter Eggspress at the Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Park on Sunday 5 April, where a free Easter egg will be given to all children riding the train (whilst stocks last)!

Read more about Easter over on VisitEastbourne!

Happy Easter all!

The Twelve Pubs of Christmas!

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a glass of the finest G 'n' T!

With the festive season now in full swing and Christmas day only one week away, it's time to finish the last little bits of present buying and food shopping, put on your party hat and head to the pub to celebrate with friends and family.

Eastbourne and the surrounding areas have an overwhelming number of pubs for you to visit this Christmas, we really are spoiled for choice. From family favorites to the best pubs for after work drinks, here's our round up of twelve Eastbourne pubs that are a must-do this Christmas!

1. The Farm @ Friday Street in Langney has recently been awarded Silver in the Best Tourism Pub of the South East, in the Beautiful South Awards and not without good reason! The large pub is extremely cosy, with a grand open fire to warm yourself by whilst you indulge in the fine wines, locally brewed beers and locally sourced freshly made food all on offer. A festive menu is available by pre-ordering, although they are now fully booked for Christmas day!

Farm @ Friday Street

2. If you're out walking along the Seven Sisters and the Cuckmere Valley over Christmas, then you're going to need to warm-up and refuel, so head to The Golden Galleon for a lovely riverside pub with a log fire. They serve up great traditional pub food and real ales, and are a family friendly pub making it the perfect place to gather after a Boxing Day family walk.

3. In the last few working days before Christmas, why not gather your colleagues and friends in Bibendum on South Street? This town pub is looking very festive, with a large brightly decorated tree and twinkling fairy lights and it's comfortably full with young people gathering for a post-work Christmas tipple. With good wines, champagnes and mulled wine on offer, it won't disappoint.

4.  The Lamb Inn in Old Town is boasting a delectable Christmas menu this year, so if you're planning a last minute festive feast with friends, contact them quickly to take advantage of a delicious menu at a very purse-friendly price. The beer and ale served at The Lamb, is brewed and supplied by the local iconic Harveys Brewery of Lewes, making it a popular pub with Eastbourne locals. Christmas Eve would be the perfect time for a visit, as seconds away is St Mary's Church who welcome everyone to their Carol Service at 4.30pm and to Midnight Mass at 11.30pm.

5. Nestled into the quaint little Willingdon Village you will find the Wheatsheaf Inn, and there is plenty of room at this Inn this festive season. See the Church Street Nativity on Friday 19th, and catch some live music from an 8-piece string band on Saturday 20th. This pub is always buzzing on Christmas Eve and they are also open for three hours on Christmas Day!

6. Beachy Head Pub is located right next to the South Downs National Park, making for stunning views when sat by the window in the pub. Family friendly and pet friendly, the festive menu on offer at Beachy Head is mouth watering, so why not book a table for a hearty New Year's Day family dinner after a glorious walk?

Beachy Head Pub

7. The Harvester is a great family pub located at the Harbour end of Eastbourne, and they are still taking bookings for Christmas Day. If it's a full-on three course dinner for the family you're after, instead of cooking at home, then you won't find better value for money in many other places this Christmas. Alternatively, the pub makes another post-walking place to warm up this winter, with warm fires and wonderful decorations.

8. After the Bandstand Boxing Day Concert, head to The Ship close by in Meads Village for some mid-day drinks with friends and family. Their tasteful Christmas decorations are simply beautiful this year, creating a very warm and festive atmosphere for all to enjoy. Warm yourself up by the fire whilst drinking their Winter Pimms or Mulled Wine, whilst you enjoy a relaxing day with loved ones. 

The Ship at Meads

9. South Street spoils Eastbourne for great pubs, with The Dolphin being another cosy Christmas venue for festive drinks. The Dolphin are also spoiling their guests with an array of yummy winter drinks being served. Winter Pimms, Baileys Hot Chocolate, Honey Toddy and Dainty Damsel are only half of the festive drinks of offer, why not try and taste them all this Christmas period?

10. The Tiger Inn in East Dean dates back to the fifteenth century and serves beers and ales brewed only minutes down the road at Beachy Head Brewery. This warm, traditional and historical pub makes a necessary pit-stop if you're taking a walk on Beachy Head this Christmas, and the pub even has five guestrooms, if you're lucky there may even be some room at the Inn to make a night of it this Christmas.

11. The Old Oak Inn in Arlington, close to Abbot's Wood and not far from Polegate and Hailsham is the perfect place to spend New Years Eve! Dance the last night of the year away with classic disco music or indulge in a lavish five course dinner, before welcoming the New Year in with a glass of champagne and a festive firework display.

12. Christmas in Eastbourne wouldn't be complete without a visit to The Marine pub on Seaside! This place truly comes alive at Christmas, and is famous for being the most decorated pub in all the town! With tinsel, baubles, lights and more hanging from the ceiling and walls throughout the entire pub, it is a sea of Christmas sparkle and a real gem of Eastbourne! On Christmas Day, it makes the perfect pub to visit after the Bandstand Christmas Day Concert to have a Yuletide drink with friends, before heading home for Christmas Dinner!

The Marine

We hope you enjoyed this guide to the Best of Eastbourne Pubs this Christmas! Have fun getting Merry but remember to drink responsibly!

Yuletide is Upon Us: A month of Eastbourne Festivities

The festive season is well and truly under way, and Eastbourne has plenty on offer for all, this Christmas period. From quaint markets serving up edible delights and hand crafted gifts; to opera, ballet and Rat Pack Christmas classics being performed on theatre stages across Eastbourne. The Sunshine Coast sure knows how to do Christmas, but can we bring snow?

Yes! Well almost. Druisilla’s Park switches on its Winter Wonderland Illuminations at 16.30 on Saturday November 29, transporting visitors to a magical ice-capped Kingdom where penguins and polar bears made of dazzling lights, will be animated for a 20 minute illumination display every day until January 4, perfectly synchronized to festive and pop music. 

Children (and adults) can also meet and hug a Husky dog, Hello Kitty, Santa’s Reindeer, Christmas elves and Santa himself – there really is so much on offer at Drusilla’s this Christmas; it will make the perfect Winters day out for family festivities.

Shopping locally for your Christmas gifts couldn’t be easier, with numerous Christmas markets and crafts fairs dotted around the town. ‘Meads Magic’ in Meads Village is happening from 14.30 this Friday 28 November. As well as the delightful food stalls and unique seasonal gifts, Christmas magic will be brought to Meads in the form of live street music from the Swing Ninjas. Santa will be making another trip to Eastbourne especially for the magical Meads event. 

Another charming corner of Eastbourne, Little Chelsea, will be holding their ‘Little Christmas’ outdoor market on Friday 5 December between 17.30 and 22.00. South Street will be taken over by market stalls, offering more traditional gifts, festive culinary delights, rides and attractions. Various street performers will keep Christmas spirits high with entertainment throughout the entire evening. Real life reindeer will be travelling down from the North Pole with Santa (again) to meet and greet one and all.

For another alternative evening of shopping, the Towner Art Gallery is holding an ‘After Hours Christmas Shopping’ event on Tuesday December 2, 18.00-21.00. You’ll find more unique Christmas treasures for your friends and families gifts, and receive mulled wine and mince pies, complimentary of the gallery.

Visitors to Eastbourne can make a night, a weekend or a whole week of it. There are a number of very welcoming hotels who love to welcome in guests at Christmas, with some brilliant offers on for the festive period. The Langton’s, a Victorian seafront guest house, have 20% off of a three night stay or more until March 30. The Royal is a beautiful and charming hotel with offers on 6 and 7 night stays. All available hotels and B&B’s can be booked online at http://www.visiteastbourne.com/accommodation/

For those that like to keep active, even throughout the gluttonous month of December, the Santa Fun Run and Walk is happening on Sunday December 7. All runners will be decked out in Santa’s suits (he’s a fashion role model), and be rewarded with a mince pie at the end of their promenade run. More details about can be found at www.events.myastheniagravis.co.uk/SantaEastbourne.

The Christmas theatre season is packed out, catering for all musical tastes, and age groups. Classical dance fans will be mesmerised by Russian State Ballet and Opera House productions of Gisele at the Congress on Friday 5 December, and The Nutcracker, a favourite Christmas story, on Saturday 6 December. Beauty and The Beast is the pantomime not to be missed this season, and with a whole month of performances, there is no excuse. See it at the Devonshire Park Theatre between December 12 and January 11. The Rat Pack Big Band will be bringing Sinatra seasonal classics and more hits from 1950’s America, to the Congress on December 23. For a full theatres list and to book tickets visit www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk.

And the grand finale of festivities is the trio of annual free Bandstand concerts. Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day will be celebrated in traditional Eastbourne style at our unique Bandstand. A Christmas vacation in Eastbourne would be incomplete without experiencing at least one of these concerts, if not all. The Eastbourne Silver Band will grace the Bandstand stage on Christmas Day, caroling the morning away. Boxing Day and New Year’s at the Bandstand promises two fun and lively concerts from the Ray Campbell Dance Band, joyfully rounding off Eastbourne’s festive season.

There is no better place to be this December, than the Sunshine Coast – Merry Christmas One and All!

Family Summer breaks in Eastbourne 2013

Family Summer breaks in Eastbourne 2013

Eastbourne is the sunniest place in the UK and with an extensive events programme which is well under way, a mix of family attractions, the South Downs and a stunning seaside, Eastbourne has something for everyone to enjoy.

Eastbourne has over 3 miles of unspoilt beaches and promenade. There are safe bathing zones, showers, toilets, refreshments and beach merchandise available along with deck chairs, parasols and sun loungers available to hire. Kidsafe safety wristbands are also available along with the chance for children to take part in lifeguard courses on the seafront.

As well as pebbled beaches, the seafront has outdoor tennis courts, a skate park and windsurfing lessons at Spray Watersports available.

Eastbourne is the gateway to the National South Downs Park where there are miles of down land ready for family picnics! The Downs are also home to the Seven Sisters Sheep centre, just a mile away from Beachy Head and offering families a unique opportunity to meet over 50 different breeds of sheep, goats, pigs, ducks, chickens, rabbits! Sheering of the sheep also happens this time of year, so a perfect time to go!

To combine the stunning seaside and the South Downs National Park, visitors can take an adventure boat trip from the Sovereign Harbour to Beachy Head with Sussex Voyages. Trips vary from 30 minutes to an hour and kids go free until the end of July with the visiteastbourne voucher – downloadable online.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure, Cllr Carolyn Heaps said “Eastbourne really is the perfect getaway for families. With a list of outdoor and indoor activities, a range of accommodation and stunning unspoilt beaches, there is something for everyone to enjoy!”

Eastbourne is the home of the first outdoor water park in the South East; Fort Fun Splash Park. Fort Fun is a family amusement park with a variety of attractions. Visitors can enjoy the super splash park and various rides plus an 18 hole golf course. In addition there is an indoor soft play area.

Just along from Fort Fun, families can also visit Treasure Island; a pirate themed adventure park where children can climb the shipwreck with slides, bridges, netted walkways and zip slides plus a paddling pool and sandy beach in spacious parkland.

In the same area of the Seafront, Princes Park is the home to another outdoor splash pad. Children can safely play amongst the fountains and small pools after visiting the play parks, large lake and café.

Eastbourne has a vibrant urban sports scene with skating showing to be a popular activity. Skate lessons and discos are available from the Sk8 School and Eastbourne Skating Club at the Sovereign Centre and skate parks. All ages are welcome to join in the fun whilst visiting Eastbourne!

The Napoleonic Redoubt Fortress is located on Eastbourne seafront and was built to defend the south coast from Napoleon’s forces. Visitors can come and discover over 200 years of history with hands on children’s activities, daily cannon firing and paintballing! In addition refreshments are available from the vintage themed café; The Outpost.

To get to these attractions and to take an enjoyable ride down the seafront, visitors can take the Dotto Train, stopping at destinations from Harbour Reach to Holywell.

To add to the exciting list of attractions, Eastbourne offers Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway, a railway adventure where visitors can travel for nearly a mile on the 1/8^th scale miniature trains. There is also a nature walk around the lake, adventure playground, model railways, café and gift shop.

For entertainment throughout the summer holidays, the Bandstand hosts Kids Party Nights every Tuesday evening from 23 July – 27 August. The shows are a real treat for the summer with fun songs from Mamma Mia, Glee and many more. Plus there is FREE face painting.

There are some great things to do in Eastbourne that won’t cost a penny, including rock pooling in the marine conservation area at Falling Sands followed by a picnic in the hidden Cliffside Italian Gardens; or cycling on the Downs, Cuckoo trail or Eastern seafront. Visitors could also try picking their own fruit from Sharnfold farm where there is FREE entry to see animals, a walking trail and playground.

Eastbourne is set to host Eastbourne Extreme and Airbourne.

Eastbourne’s popular extreme sports festival returns to the eastern seafront on 13 and 14 July with a great line up combining an exciting mix of air, land and water based outdoor pursuits.

Airbourne, Eastbourne’s International Airshow takes over the seafront from 15 – 18 August. The four day FREE seafront airshow will see daily displays from the Red Arrows along with the Belgian Air Component F-16, The Typhoon, Chinook, Tucano and many more!

Just outside of Eastbourne, families can visit the multi award winning Drusillas Park Zoo, which claimed the Tourism South East Visitor Attraction of the Year award in 2010/11. Home to hundreds of fascinating creatures, this family run park promises plenty of animal magic for young and old. The Thomas & Friends™ train offers rides all year round and there’s fun whatever the weather in the indoor Amazon Adventure soft play area.

Also on Eastbourne’s doorstep is Pevensey Castle. Visitors can explore the castle and museum after just a 5 minute car or train ride from Eastbourne. Alternatively visitors can explore science on a grand scale at the Observatory Science Centre in Herstmonceux.

Eastbourne has over 7500 bed spaces available in hotels and guesthouses, with a large portion of them located on the seafront. There are many family friendly hotels including the Guest House East, a modern, stylish, highly rated guesthouse located just a pebble’s throw from the beach. Family rooms are available sleeping up to 5, which come with a kitchen so families can prepare food if required. Breakfast is also available in the hotel.

For more information go to www.visiteastbourne.com

Father’s day discounts in Eastbourne!

This Fathers Day, Eastbourne has many attractions and events for dads to attend with some discounted entry fee.

Dads can visit the Redoubt for FREE, head down to Legends day at the AEGON Tennis or watch a show at the Bandstand for FREE, as well as many other activities.

           

The Redoubt Fortress had a makeover over the winter months and has recently opened a brand new exciting exhibition called; Tinker Tailor Solider Button Maker. On Sunday 16 June, the fortress and museum is celebrating Fathers Day by offering FREE entry to dads visiting with their children. Tickets can also be used for a FREE return entry before 17 November!

Entry price is £4.50 for adults, £2.50 for children, £3.25 for seniors and students and flexible family ticket is £12.

The Redoubt opens 10am – 5pm on Sunday 16 June.

The Bandstand is in full swing this season with shows ranging from traditional afternoon concerts to tribute nights! To celebrate Fathers day, the Bandstand is welcoming fathers for FREE to any concert from Sunday 16 June – Friday 21 June. Dads attending with their children can watch:

• Traditional Afternoon Concert with Mayfield Band 16 June 3pm.
• Sunday Night at the proms with Wealden Brass 16 June 8pm.
• 1812 Firework Concert with Eastbourne Silver Band 19 June 8pm.
• Queen tribute show with Mercury 21 June 8pm.

To purchase tickets go to www.eastbournebandstand.co.uk

As Fathers day approaches, so does the AEGON International Tennis Tournament. 12 of the world’s top 20 look set to the return to Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park from 15 – 22 June, whilst BBC broadcast the tournament.                                                          

The tournament is also celebrating Fathers day with Legends day at the Tennis! Legends day makes a welcome return on Sunday 16 June with Greg Rusedski and Mark Phillippoussis facing off in a Fathers Day tussle, before they team up with former world number 1 Lindsay Davenport and two time Wimbledon doubles champion Rennae Stubbs in mixed doubles. For tickets go to www.aegoninternational.co.uk

  

Award winning contemporary art museum, Towner is currently exhibiting some great pieces and exhibitions. Including Fiona Rae; Maybe you can live on the moon in the next century the People and Portraits collection. This Fathers Day, Dads get a FREE drink in the Towner café located upstairs offering a balcony with beautiful views of the Devonshire Park area of Eastbourne.

Dads can also get in FREE at Drusillas Park on Fathers day! Drusillas are inviting Dads to get in FREE by signing up to discounts@drusillas.co.uk with their name, postal address and email address by 4pm on Monday 10 June.

Why not take your dad to Lloyds Lanes for bowling or laser quest? Dads go free! Book now on 01323 509999.

For an alternative Fathers day treat what about Tea at Batemans?

Afternoon tea at Batemans is not just dainty cakes and pastries, its hot mini Yorkshire pudding with gravy, posh fish finger roll, home made mini pastry served with rustic sandwich and the ever popular Bateman’s classic cream tea, washed down with a good strong cup of tea. All for just £12.50 per person. Call 01435 882302 to find out more.

All offers are for Fathers visiting with their children.

For more information go to www.visiteastbourne.com