Music and Festivities on Eastbourne's Western Seafront this June

Western View Cafe, if you didn't already know, is the sun trap cafe at Eastbourne's Wish Tower and is the perfect place for catching some rays by the sea.

Making it even more ideal for a relaxing late afternoon drink this Summer, are the Live Music on the Decking nights, which will feature local artists providing great summer sounds in an alfresco setting.

On Sunday 7 June, head to Western View to sit out on the decking, taking in the gorgeous views of Beachy Head and the South Downs whilst sipping on a glass of wine (or bottled beer, whatever your preferred tipple), and listen to the chilled sounds of Owen Donnovan as he performs cover music made for relaxing Summer evenings.

The bar on the decking will be serving a variety of wines, bottled beers, Pimm's and some spirits with mixers. Make the most of Summer in Eastbourne and soak up every last second of your weekend. Look out on VisitEastbourne for further Live Music dates (in the incidence of wet/bad weather the Live Music nights will be cancelled).

At the end of the month, when Summer will be in full swing, the Wish Tower Slopes will be bringing the festival vibes of Glastonbury, to Eastbourne on big Screen on the Green, from 26-28 June.

If you missed out on Glastonbury tickets, Eastbourne will help to cheer you up. Located on the beautiful seafront, the Screen on the Green will bring the atmosphere of the UK's most talked about festival, to Eastbourne.

Bring a blanket or deckchair and relax in front of the big screen, watching the epic Glastonbury line-up of The Foo Fighters, Lionel Ritchie, Kanye West, Florence and the Machine, George Ezra, Rudimental, Mark Ronson and Pharrell Williams, across the weekend. 

On Saturday afternoon, live BBC coverage of the climatic AEGON International ladies' singles final, being played just minutes down the road, will be broadcast on the big screen, making it a fantastic weekend of music and sport on the Wish Tower Slopes.

To complete the festival feel, there will be a fully licensed bar, serving alcoholic beverages and barbecue food so you can stay and watch uninterrupted all afternoon and evening. There will also be a limited number of chairs available, but to make sure you're comfy enough to enjoy the screening, bringing something of you own to sit on is advised. 

The big screen will be in operation from 5.30pm-10.30pm on Friday 26 June, 1pm-10.30pm on Saturday 27 June and 2pm-10pm on Sunday 28 June. The ladies' singles final begins at 1.30pm on Saturday, with Glastonbury footage commencing at the end of the final. 

What to do if it’s HOT OR NOT this weekend!

 We haven’t had the best spring weather-wise so far, but as I write this post, I can see the sun poking through the clouds and not a drop of rain (or snow) in sight.

Weather reports are showing that the weekend and Sunday in particular will bring us some high temperatures and fantastic sunshine!

So we have put together a few things to do to make the most of the sunshine!

If it’s hot…

Ok this is optimistic but we are the sunshine coast after all…….

The beach!

Eastbourne has over 3 miles of wide, clean promenade and unspoilt beaches. The water may be slightly cold this time of year but a paddle wouldn’t hurt. To accompany a relaxing day on the beach, there are various cafes including the new American Airstream style café at The Wish Tower and at the opposite end of the seafront The new Outpost café at The Redoubt Fortress.

For a kid’s day out, Eastbourne has got it covered!

Eastbourne Miniature steam Railway, located on Lottbridge road, is the perfect place to visit on a sunny day. It is a railway adventure in Eastbourne with steam and diesel train journeys, line side nature walks, an adventure playground, railway style café, gift shop and more!

It wouldn’t be spring without a trip to Seven Sisters Sheep Farm! The farm is currently in lambing season and allows visitors to see over 50 varieties of sheep and lambs along side pigs, goats and chickens!

Fort Fun has both indoor and outdoor play areas so whatever the weather there is something to do there.

Similarly, Treasure Island offers an indoor soft play as well as an outdoor adventure park and golf.

Both have picnic areas and restaurants with Treasure Island offering delicious food and drink at The Beach Deck!

Or how about a day out at Knockhatch Adventure Park or Drusillas Park? Enjoy a fun, action packed visit at Knockhatch with new wave runner water ride, runaway train simulator, indoor Froggies soft play, children’s farm, jumping pillows and rowing boats! Or spend the day at Drusillas and enjoy the widely regarded best small zoo in Europe along with play areas, a maze, Thomas the Tank Engine and Lemurland.

A perfect way to see the delights of Eastbourne seafront is by hopping on the Dotto train! The Dotto train offers regular services operating from Easter – 2 November from Holywell to Harbour reach. Stops include the Wish Tower slopes, Pier, Treasure Island, Fort Fun and Soveriegn centre.

For those who are want a peaceful walk this weekend with a loved one or group of friends, what about a trip over the South Downs. Eastbourne lies on the eastern side of the start/end of the South Downs way providing a mostly bridle path for walkers, horse riders and cyclists!

Or if you simply want to sit in the sun over lunch and a glass of pimms, head down to the sophisticated Sovereign harbour to find a selection of restaurants and shops on the waterside. Restaurants include: Gringos, Picassos, Simply Italian and Thai Marina.

If it’s not…

Even though Eastbourne is the sunniest place in the UK and we are sure to see the sun this weekend, it is a good idea to have a few indoor ideas just in case.

For an indoor family day how about the Soveriegn Centre where you can enjoy a large family pool, baby pool, training pool and slides and splash area.

Or try out one of the many indoor soft play centres including Leo’s play den, The PlayStation, Rockys and Treasure Island.

Others can enjoy the exhibitions on at Towner with Kelly Richardson’s; Legion exhibition finishing this weekend and The East Sussex Open running throughout April.

The Eastbourne festival also runs throughout April and this weekend there are events from SKA Toons, Red Door Secret Supper Club, The Grand Éclair, The Revenge Fantasy Club and Charleys Aunt.

Whatever the weather visitors can enjoy the newly opened refurbished Redoubt Fortress. Visitors can receive a 2 for 1 on museum entrance in the 200 year old fortress and get 2 for 1 on hot drinks in the new vintage themed café The Outpost.

For more information go to www.visiteastbourne.com