An Adrenalin-Filled, Family-Fun Season of Events in Eastbourne!

Eastbourne always promises to provide a season of fantastic events, from the fast-paced and high-intensity events to the more tranquil and relaxing ones, there will most certainly be something to suit the varying tastes of all, from the oldest visitors to the youngest visitors to Eastbourne this year! 

Take a look at all the major events happening in Eastbourne in 2016!

21 April - The Queen’s Birthday Beacon Lighting and Party

Come and join Eastbourne in celebrating the Queen’s 90^th Birthday with a Beacon Lighting and Party, completely free to attend. Opening with a party complete with DJ set from “DJ Oli”, the evening commences with a torch-lit procession, followed by the lighting of the Queen’s Birthday Beacon and firework display. Find more information at www.VisitEastbourne.com.

30 April - 1 May – Magnificent Motors

Celebrating the world of classic motoring, Magnificent Motors is a fabulously vintage free bank holiday festival, with over 600 classic cars, campers, bicycles, motorbikes, military vehicles and more exhibiting on Eastbourne’s seafront facing Western Lawns. With a cavalcade each day, the festival provides live music entertainment, food, drink and a funfair atmosphere, plus this year’s festival will be made complete with a four day Vintage market on Eastbourne’s promenade. Find out more at www.VisitEastbourne.com/magnificent-motors.

13-15 May - Museums at Night

Eastbourne’s 200 year old Napoleonic Redoubt Fortress will be joining in with national ‘Museums at Night’ events across the country, by putting on three film screenings across the three days; Alien (1979), The Mummy (1959) and a family friendly screening of One of my Dinosaur’s is Missing (1975) with fossil making and face-painting. Discover more at www.EastbourneMuseums.co.uk.

27-29 May - Beer and Cider by the Sea Festival

Eastbourne’s annual Spring bank holiday festival, Beer and Cider by the Sea takes place from 27-29 May on Eastbourne’s Western Lawns. Come and sample over 60 real ales; many brewed locally in Sussex, more than of 48 Ciders and Perries from the National Cider and Perry collection, plus wine, cocktails, Pimms and more! Wash it all down with a weekend line-up of live music on the festival stage. For ticket sales information and more go to www.VisitEastbourne.com/events.

11 June – Eastbourne Sunshine Carnival – (Celebrating Queen Elizabeth II 90^th Birthday)

The biggest seafront carnival in the South East returns to Eastbourne’s seafront, this year the carnival also celebrates the Queen’s 90^th Birthday. Expect extravagantly decorated floats, exquisite costumes and plenty of cheer fit for a royal celebration. For more information go to www.eastbournecarnival.co.uk.

12 June – Eastbourne Triathlon – New for 2016

Brand new for 2016, the Eastbourne Triathlon builds on Eastbourne’s reputation for hosting great coastal challenges in stunning surroundings. Participants will join elite triathletes, Ben Allen and Jackie Slack in swimming 600 metres in Eastbourne’s warm sea waters, cycling 25km in the stunning South Downs National Park and then running 5km run along Eastbourne’s glorious promenade. Go to www.eastbournetriathlon.com to enter.

18 -25 June - Aegon Eastbourne International (WTA Women's International Tennis)

The Aegon Eastbourne International is back for another adrenalin-filled week of tennis. It always attracts many of top ten international players from the world of women’s tennis, as they come to Eastbourne – the hometown of current British number 1, Johanna Konta - to battle it out for the ultimate, pre-Wimbledon trophy, and with the announcements that Petra Kvitova and defending champion Belinda Bencic will be returning to Devonshire Park this June, this year's tournament is already set to be a scorcher! Visit www.VisitEastbourne.com/tennis for information on booking and further tournament details.

18 -19 June - Eastbourne Feastival

In its second year, Eastbourne Feastival brings a fusion of international cuisine, culture, music and dance in a weekend long festival set in Eastbourne’s stunning Princes Park, a stone’s throw away from the beach, completely free to enter. Visit www.eastbournefeastival.com to discover more.

16 July - MCS Big Sea Swim

The Marine Conservation Society has chosen to hold its Big Sea Swim in Eastbourne for the fourth year running, due to Eastbourne’s high standards of clean sea water. Take the plunge and swim 1km or 3km on a hot summer’s day whilst raising money to support the conservation of the UK’s seas and oceans for everyone. Enter at www.mcsuk.org/swim.

16-17 July – Beach Life Festival including Eastbourne Extreme

Eastbourne’s Beach Life Festival kick starts the summer holidays with an adventure filled weekend on Eastbourne seafront, at the South Coast’s coolest free extreme sports festival. Featuring a line-up of land and water based outdoor pursuits, from 11am daily, the festival vibes continue with live entertainment on the music stage. Go to www.visiteastbourne.com/extreme for festival updates.

30-31 July - Lammas Festival – Folk Music and Dance

Lammas Festival brings folk music, dance and entertainment to Eastbourne’s seafront facing Western Lawns, in a free two day festival dedicated to marking the cutting of the first corn crop, a traditional folk celebration at the beginning of harvesting season. Discover more at www.lammasfest.org.

11-14 August - Airbourne - Eastbourne International Airshow

Eastbourne’s award-winning international airshow, Airbourne now in its 24^th year, flies into Eastbourne in August for another free four day event featuring many of the best display teams on the international circuit, with the RAF Red Arrows, King Air, Eurofighter Typhoon and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight all confirmed to fly! Keep up to speed with flying line-up announcements at www.eastbourneairshow.com.

10-11 September – Steampunk Festival

Escape into a quirky unknown universe of the science-fiction sub-genre, Steampunk which sees Victoriana meeting the cyber-world. With unique Steampunk activities commencing throughout the two days and a Masquerade Ball on the evening of 10 September. Go to www.steampunkfestival.co.uk for further information.

24 September – 2 October – Coast and Country Walking Festival

Organised by Eastbourne Borough Council and Wealden District Council, the nine day festival offers a diverse range of tour-guided walks through some of East Sussex’s most beautiful terrain. From Nordic walking to brewery walks, the festival offers something for people from all walks of life. Visit www.sussexwalkingfestival.org.uk for more information.

1 October - Eastbourne Bonfire Society Procession, Fireworks & Bonfire

A torch-lit Bonfire Procession on Eastbourne’s seafront sees drummers, pipers, dancers and bonfire societies from all over the county joining the Eastbourne Bonfire Society to celebrate bonfire season in Sussex, a tradition dating back centuries, complete with a beach bonfire and grand firework display. More information at www.visiteastbourne.com.

6-8 October – Eastbourne Beer Festival

Get to Eastbourne’s much-loved Autumn Beer Festival to sample from range of over 160 real cask ales on tap, many quirky named brews and plenty of award winning ales, and many more delicious beverages from the Wine Bar, Cider Bar and the International Bottled Beers Bar. The festival dedicated to the nation’s favourite past-time would not be complete without pub games, live entertainment and some tasty treats to complement the fine drink on offer. For updates and ticket release information go to www.visiteastbourne.com/beer-festival.

29 October – Beachy Head Marathon and 10K Race

Eastbourne’s Beachy Head Marathon is renowned for being one of the biggest off-road marathons in the UK, popular for its scenic and challenging route through the South Downs National Park countryside. The race now incorporates a 10k run, for a slightly smaller challenge, but with the same reward of breathtaking views. Enter now at www.BeachyHeadMarathon.org.uk.

3-18 December – Eastbourne Christmas Market

After the first successful Christmas Market, Eastbourne’s Chamber of Commerce brings the traditional wooden stall Christmas market back to the Bandstand for a longer sting in 2016. Explore the market, feast on festive favourite foods, buy some unique Christmas gifts and marvel at the Bandstand’s beautiful transformation into a Winter Wonderland. Find out more at www.VisitEastbourne.com

Keep up to date with a complete guide to all Eastbourne events at www.VisitEastbourne.com/events.

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! 

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!

10 Things We Love About Eastbourne

In the run up to Valentine's Day, the team at Visit Eastbourne have gone all sentimental over the lovely little seaside town we live and work in. So, we've declared what it is we love about Eastbourne and put it altogether here in this list - 10 Things We Love About Eastbourne!

1. I love the stunning view of Eastbourne as you run over the Downs from Beachy Head - it takes your breath away! And on a dry, crisp day, we love taking our kids on their bikes along the cycle path from the Sovereign Centre, and stopping at The Pavilion for cake and hot chocolates! - Laura F

2. There are so many quirky and lovely independent shops in Eastbourne. I love that I can always find a special gift for a friend, or a treat for myself in these unique little shops. - Sarah

3. I love going for walks along the seafront and around the Sovereign Harbour. Particularly during the summer it’s lovely to sit outside one of the restaurants and watch the boats sail by whilst enjoying a meal. - Cat 

4. Going for a walk in the beautiful Italian Gardens and then having lunch in the Western View cafe is one of the most relaxing ways to spend an afternoon in Eastbourne. - Annie

5. I sometimes find myself standing outside the gates of St Mary's Church in Old Town and imagining the countless people who have gazed at the same view over the 900 or so years it has stood here. It makes me feel part of a community that spans the generations and about whom it is my work to discover. - Jo

6. There is so much that I love - The anticipation of tennis week in June as all the branding is erected around town, and then the late evening shadows on the tennis courts at Devonshire Park with the sun going down and the gentle thud of tennis balls against rackets. Eating fish and chips from the paper, sitting on Eastbourne seafront us the sun goes down with music playing from the Bandstand will always be one of my favourite past-times. - Mike

7.  I love a good night out in Eastbourne. Starting off with a few drinks in one of the swanky cocktail or wine bars, followed by dancing with friends in TJ's nightclub until the early hours! - Laura G

8. I love walking along Eastbourne’s prom with the family.  Whatever the weather it’s great to get out in the fresh air with those glorious sea views.  We often stop for coffee and cake in one of the seafront cafes or if we’re feeling energetic walk from the seafront onto the Downs to explore the South Downs Way – bliss! - Lisa 

9. I love the many beautiful parks in Eastbourne, and I especially love to spend a hot summers afternoon in the gardens next to the former Towner Gallery in Gildridge Park. Then when it turns a little cooler, to stroll over the road to the Counting House for evening drinks in the beer garden. - Beth

10. One of my favourite things about Eastbourne is Airbourne  - I love to go up to Beachy Head to watch the flying displays, it's such an amazing spot to view the planes from - and the view of Eastbourne from there is also incredible! - Amanda







Eastbourne really is a special town, we love it. What do you love about Eastbourne and why?

Airbourne welcomes Disney’s Planes with the Matadors!

Celebrating the new feature film release of Disney’s Planes, in UK cinemas 16 August 2013, Disney and the Matadors Aerobatic Team present Team Dusty and Team Ripslinger to Eastbourne’s skies for an out of this world display at Airbourne.

Airbourne 15-18 August is just weeks away and the line up is phenomenal this year. The Matadors are undergoing a Planes makeover and will be entertaining crowds with a movie inspired display!

The two fully Planes branded Sbach XtremeAir XA41s are piloted by air racing champion Paul Bonhomme (Team Dusty) and Steve Jones (Team Ripslinger).

From above the world of Cars and Cars 2, Planes is an action packed 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty, a plane with dreams of competing as a high flying air racer. But Dusty’s not exactly built for racing and happens to be afraid of heights. Dusty turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps him qualify to take on the defending race circuit champ; Ripslinger. Dusty’s courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible.

Visitors should look out for the Disney Racing Hangar near the arena, where they will also have the chance to meet the pilots, test their flying skills and participate in other fun activities! More details including meet and greet times can be found in the Airbourne Programme.

For more information on Eastbourne Airbourne go to www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk

F-16 Selects Eastbourne Airshow For Only Mainland UK Seaside Display

The Belgian Air Component F-16 is set to join a thrilling line up of the Red Arrows, Eurofighter Typhoon and Chinook at Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow on 15 – 18 August.

The rip-roaring fast jet has signalled a return to the UK’s Best FREE Airshow (as voted by Airscene), with Eastbourne’s seafront display being the only free airshow in the mainland UK set to welcome the team this year.

The heavy metal jet joins an international line up with the Royal Netherlands Air Force AB412 and a new display from a pair of Dassault Flamants from France, who make their UK debut in Eastbourne.  The Red Arrows will also fly on all four days of the show, the only UK airshow to receive an incredible four displays.

The four day airshow last year enjoyed the busiest day ever in its 20 year history, and this year looks even more promising with a strong line up of RAF displays from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Tutor, Tucano, Eurofighter Typhoon, Red Arrows and a brand new routine for 2013, for fans of the Chinook. 

Parachute teams from The Tigers and Royal Navy Raiders will be dropping in on all the action, plus displays from the Lynx and Sea King will entertain at close range.  World record holders, The Blades, will be zooming across the skies, along with more close formation aerobatics from the SWIP Silence Twister team, Rv8tors and the Breitling Wingwalkers, providing daring feats.

For historic and classic jet fans, the iconic Spitfire will be joined by the Jet Provost, Kittyhawk and the unique ‘Miss Demeanour’  Hunter jet.

On the ground, budding aviators can climb aboard a replica Chinook or Hawk in the military exhibition, featuring the best of the RAF, Army and Navy.  Arena events and children’s entertainment beaches keep all of the family entertained, including a special free concert in the arena on Thursday and Friday by the Central Band of the RAF.

For top flight hospitality, the Aviator Club and Cirrus Rooms offer fabulous views and great food in the heart of all the action with a buffet lunch or 3 course meal option.  Or reserve your place with exclusive seating at the Bandstand for uninterrupted views of all the action.

Fans can also get a birds eye view of the flying from iconic beauty spot Beachy Head or take to the skies with a helicopter pleasure flight over the scenic South Downs National Park.

In the evening Bandstand concerts entertain each night, along with an outdoor film screening at the arena and a seafront firework spectacular over the weekend.

The Red Arrows are due to perform on Thursday 4pm, Friday 4pm, Saturday 5pm and Sunday 3pm (times are subject to change).  

The full line up of displays so far includes: Red Arrows, Belgian F-16, Dutch AB412, French, Dassault Flamant, Eurofighter Typhoon, Chinook, Lynx, Sea King, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Tucano, Tutor, The Blades, Breitling Wingwalkers, The Tigers parachute team, Royal Navy Raiders, Parachute Team, Spitfire, Jet Provost, Kittyhawk, SWIP Team, Rv8tors, Hunter.

Airbourne takes place on Eastbourne seafront with arena and ground displays on the Western Lawns over all four days, and entry is free.  For more information visit www.eastbourneairshow.com or telephone 0871 663 0031.

Airbourne Wins Best Free Airshow for Second Year Running

Airscene fans have voted Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow as the best free airshow in the country for the second time running in a recent poll by one of the UK’s leading airshow websites.



Vulcan at Airbourne 2012 (c. Graham Huntley)



Voted by visitors to Airscene.co.uk, the four day free airshow beat rival Bournemouth hands down, achieving nearly double the number of votes to win Best Free Airshow 2012 in the Airscene Awards.

Despite being nominated only as a free airshow, Airbourne still received 57% more votes than Duxford, the winner of the Best Airshow category, making Airbourne the most popular airshow in the UK.





Lynx at Airbourne 2012 (c. Graham Huntley)



Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism & Leisure, Cllr Carolyn Heaps said “2012 was such an amazing year for Airbourne, from the spectacular Vulcan to the once-in-a-lifetime firework finale and Olympic closing ceremony celebration.  Thank you to everyone at Airscene who voted for us, this award is the icing on the cake from a momentous year and we look forward to providing a spectacular show for fans in 2013.”

Airbourne visitors were treated to Eastbourne’s first ever Vulcan display in 2012 attracting the show’s biggest ever audience on Saturday.  Many fans enjoyed a rare close-up glimpse of the jet in a flying hold over Beachy Head, before its display along the seafront to thousands. 

The Blades at Airbourne 2012 (c. Graham Huntley)

Social media forums were inundated with photos, video and comments following the display, with over 5,000 video views and a viral reach of 57,000 for Airbourne’s facebook page.

For fans who missed the show, exclusive photos and cockpit footage are still available to view online, including the Jet Provost display and the Royal Navy Raiders Parachute jump.  Fans can also share their own photos and video on the Airbourne Facebook page.

Airbourne returns in 2013 from Thursday 15 – Sunday 18 August, for more information visit www.eastbourneairshow.com.

For news updates, competitions, exclusive footage and airshow fun visit www.facebook.com/airbourneeastbourne or follow on twitter at www.twitter.com/EB_Airshow.