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.

Your February Half Term Fun in Eastbourne!

We're here to help with the all important planning for half term, providing you with ideas for indoor and outdoor activities to keep children of all ages entertained and happy this February!

The Llama Park at Forest Row is great for outdoors fun whilst enjoying some of the wonderful four-legged creatures of the world. Home to herds of llamas and alpacas, reindeer, Spanish horses and Jacob Sheep, the Llama Park is currently offering 2 for 1 on admission, with a voucher redeemable on VisitEastbourne. The park also offers Llama walks, for those children who want to take the lead. 

The half term will see the first visits by lovable characters, Hello Kitty and the Fat Controller to Drusillas Park, the UK's best small zoo! The Fat Controller will be back running the Thomas and Friend's Railway on 17 February, whilst Hello Kitty fans can meet the Japanese kitty in her Drusillas house, having a souvenir photo taken, on 18 February. 

On Wednesday 18 February, take the children to Towner for the morning to watch Japanese animation Ponyo. This is a free screening of the animated underwater adventure which tells the magical story of a curious young goldfish on her quest to become a human. Inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s The Little Mermaid, this is sure to entertain aspiring young mermaids and mermen.

If you go down to the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise... Not quite the woods, but Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters Hotel are hosting a Teddy Bear's Picnic for children and their bears on February 18 at 12-2pm. A picnic will be provided for all children for the price of £7.50 - a seaside picnic not to be missed!

For the more active children Tennis in the Park, at Gildridge Park are holding a Tennis Holiday Camp. Suitable for both beginners and more advanced tennis players, children will learn new skills and improve on existing ones in a fun and relaxed environment. And for parents, relax in the Love All Cafe with delicious breakfast, lunch, snacks, hot and cold drinks served all day long.

It might be half term, but it doesn't mean that children's learning has to stop. The Observatory Science Centre in Herstmonceux has a fun interactive afternoon workshop; 'A Hearty Work Out' for children aged 6-9 on Tuesday 17 February, in which they will learn all about how the heart works to keep them alive. The creative workshop will have them making their own stethoscopes, learning how to check their pulse and making yummy heart melting chocolates.

Enjoy some Disney magic on stage in 'Aladdin JNR' at the Royal Hippodrome, telling the story of 'street rat' Aladdin, as he falls in love with Princess Jasmine and fights with the evil Jaffar for her hand in marriage. Catch an afternoon or evening performance between 18 and 21 February!

For more half-term attractions and events go to the Visit Eastbourne half term page!

School's Out!

Kids will be waving their flags come 3pm this afternoon as schools pack up for February half-term. Whether you're visiting Eastbourne for the day or heading to the coast for the holidays, check out our top 6 picks for half-term in Eastbourne...

Get your skates on!
Make the most of your final chance to enjoy the real ice skating rink at Fort Fun this winter with the seafront ice rink staying open for half-term. Book your session online or pay as you go! Check out our competition for your chance to win a family ticket...

Creepy Crawlies Fun at Drusillas Park Creep down to Drusillas Park and meet some amazing mini monsters at the no.1 small zoo! The Discovery Centre will be open from 11am – 4pm on Sunday 12 Feb swarming with weird insects, slimy molluscs and scary spiders with experts from the British Tarantula Society on hand to answer any questions. Plus don't miss an appearance from the Fat Controller on 15 Feb!

A head for science!
The Observatory Science Centre in Herstmonceux near Eastbourne is hosting a jam-packed programme of activities for half-term. Don't miss the Zany Zone drop-in workshop on 13 Feb, Valentine Work Out on 14 Feb, Arty Stars and Planets on 15 Feb and Chemistry workshop on 16 Feb.

VISITOR-inspired art
Let the kids' imagination run wild at Towner Contemporary Art Museum this half-term with activities inspired by their new VISITOR exhibition. Book now for half-term workshops on 17 Feb with the chance to construct your own 3D world. Then enjoy a VISITOR Family Day on 19 Feb with artists on hand to help families make fluorescent cabins and canoes!

On your bike!
Take to the acres of beautiful countryside on Eastbourne's doorstep with a family bike ride! Head to the Seven Sisters Cycle Company at Friston Forest and hire bikes for an energetic day out!

Make waves!
If you're not sure what the weather's doing (although it is always sunny in Eastbourne!) then swimming is always a good choice for indoor fun! Choose from the Sovereign Centre leisure complex with a fun pool, wave machine, 25m pool and training pool, or enjoy the smaller, family friendly pool at Motcombe.

Whatever you choose to do, we hope you have an awesome time! Don't forget to tell us about your visits and days out on facebook, twitter, or share your snaps on flickr!