Free Entry and Fireworks Brings a Spectacular Close to Proms on the Lawn

Fans of Last Night of the Proms can look forward to FREE entry to the live screening and fireworks in Eastbourne this Saturday 7 September, as Proms on the Lawn provides a stunning musical finale live on the big screen!

With live music on the seafront Western Lawns in the afternoon from classical string quartet Ensemble Reza, the countdown begins to the live BBC screening at 7.30pm featuring traditional flag waving favourites such as Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory. 
A fantastic firework finale will follow the concert to bring a spectacular end to the evening.

The event will kick off with Ensemble Reza at 3.45pm featuring a wealth of talent, with members having performed with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, to name but a few.  For this concert, Ensemble Reza will also be joined by Jane Haughton – one of Britain’s finest mezzo-sopranos, having sung with the Royal Opera House.

The group will be performing a programme that will have the audience dancing in their seats. From all singing sea shanties and jazzy Gershwin hits to the more sublime classical works, including Vivaldi’ Four Seasons, Beethoven’s String Quartet Op 16 No 1, George Butterworth’s ‘Love Blows as the Wind Blows, as well as pieces by Dvorak, Berlioz and lesser known Greek dances.

The live screening from the Royal Albert Hall follows, beginning at 7.30pm with Nigel Kennedy and Joyce DiDonato the star soloists in the programme which picks up both sea-faring and transatlantic themes.  It will begin with the world premiere of a celebratory new work by Anna Clyne, a rare performance of Britten’s 1967 overture for chorus and orchestra ‘The Building of the House’, a touch of Broadway magic and female conductor Marin Alsop takes charge, becoming the first woman to ever conduct the Last Night!

Gates open at 3pm on Saturday 7 September on the Western Lawns with Ensemble Reza starting the show at 3.45pm followed by live BBC footage on the big screen from 7.30pm. The evening will then finish with a Fireworks Finale at approximately 10.45pm.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own blankets, chairs, lights and red, white and blue for what is sure to be a rousing afternoon and evening of a great British tradition. A full licensed bar and catering is available at the event.

Entry for this event is now free.  Existing ticket holders can obtain refunds from the Congress Theatre Box Office or by telephoning 01323 412000. 
For more information on all events visit VisitEastbourne.com.

Last Night of The Proms On The Lawns

On Saturday 7 September, Ensemble Reza will be performing on the Western Lawns, in an afternoon and evening of entertainment   followed by big screen viewing of the BBC’S Last Night of the Proms and finishing with a firework finale.

The event will kick off with Ensemble Reza which is made up of Miriam Teppich, Andrew Thurgood, Robert Duncan, Pavlos Carvalho, Sarah Dubost-Hautefeuille and Jane Haughton.

The group brings together a wealth of talent and experience in both performance and education work with players representing some of this country’s finest orchestras including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, The London Mozart Players and The BBC Concert Orchestra to name a few.

For this concert, Ensemble Reza will be joined by Jane Haughton – one of Britain’s finest sopranos. The group will be performing a programme that will have the audience dancing in their seats. From all singing sea shanties and jazzy Gershwin hits to the more sublime classical works, including Vivaldi’ Four Seasons and lesser known Greek dances.

Last Night Of The Proms is held at the Royal Albert Hall and Nigel Kennedy and Joyce DiDonato are the star soloists in the programme. It will begin with a celebratory new work by Anna Clyne, and will also include a rare performance of Britten’s 1967 overture for chorus and orchestra ‘The Building of the House’, a touch of Broadway magic and the sound of a glass ceiling being broken as Marin Alsop takes charge of her first Last Night.


Gates open at 3.30pm on Saturday 7 September on the Western Lawns with the bar open and refreshments available. Ensemble Reza start the show at 4pm with their fantastic performance and visitors can then watch the big screen to see BBC’S Last Night of the Proms from 7.30pm. The evening will then finish with a Fireworks Finale at approximately 10.45pm.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their own blankets, chairs ,lights and red, white and blue for what is sure to be a rousing afternoon and evening of a great British tradition. A full licensed bar and catering is available at the event.

Tickets for the whole event are £12 for adults, £10 for OAP’s and those in full time education between 16 years and 18 years, and £5 for children under the age of 16. A family ticket can be purchased for £31 for two adults and two children.

Tickets are available from the Congress Theatre Box Office, Carlisle Road or by calling 01323 412000.

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

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

Let’s celebrate National Picnic Week 17-23 June!

There is one thing us Brits have always done well and that is the Great British Picnic!

This week is National Picnic week and what a perfect opportunity to embrace the beautiful outdoor sites of Eastbourne. Eastbourne has an ever growing list of perfect picnic spots offering different atmospheres; from fun at the beach to the tranquil setting of a park, from the wide open South Downs National Park to the secret spot at Italian Gardens, Eastbourne has something to suit everyone.

The main factor to a Great British picnic is the location so let’s go through ideas of where to go for your picnic in Eastbourne:

South Downs National Park                                                           

The South Downs National Park covers an area of 1600 km² and offers breathtaking landscapes and views. Known as one of Britain’s Breathing Spaces, the park has green rolling pastures, open spaces, ancient woodlands and river valleys. There is so much to do on the Downs like walking, cycling, horse riding, visiting heritage sites and of course having a picnic!                                                                

Visitors can picnic at Beachy Head, the Seven Sisters Country Park, Cuckmere valley, the Long Man of Wilmington and Downland villages.

Down the Beach                                                                    

Eastbourne boasts three miles of clean unspoilt beaches with safe bathing zones, showers, toilets, refreshments and deckchairs available. The sunny Eastbourne seaside is the perfect summertime picnic spot where visitors can go for a paddle and get an ice-cream after when the picnic foods run out!                                                        

The seafront stretches from East to West, the West offering a more happening and safe environment. You could also hire a beach hut! Go to the seafront office by the Bandstand to find out more.

Princes Park                                                                                               

The green flag quality awarded family park on the eastern seafront has a large lake, rose and aromatic herb gardens, plenty of open parkland plus two play areas, new modern splash pad, putting, bowling greens and Pistachio in the Park café. With all this for the family to do, it is a great place to take the basket and blanket for a picnic! With all these facilities, visitors could spend all day there!

Gildredge Park and Manor Gardens                                             

Gildredge Park is a family park with grass areas, a new skate park and children’s playground, plus quiet areas of pleasant herbaceous borders, rockeries and sensory plants. The park is located not far from the town centre so those travelling on the train/bus can get to it easily. The park has a secluded feel to it whilst offering large open spaces for Frisbee, football etc.

Hampden Park                                                                          

Hampden is a popular park with a play area, large lake with an abundance of wildlife, shady lawns, an extensive area of woodland and a tea chalet. Both the shady and open spaces are great locations to celebrate National Picnic Week!

Italian Gardens and The Helen Garden                                           

The Helen Garden is a secluded garden on the western end of the seafront with a play area, bowls, putting, petanque and a café to enjoy the glorious sea views. The area is quiet and peaceful offering a tranquil environment. Italian Gardens is hidden just behind The Helen Garden at Holywell. It is a secret hideaway nestling in the corner of the Cliffside. If it is peace you are after, this destination is the one!

AEGON International Tennis                                                            

As National Picnic Week has fallen on the same week as the tennis, why not take your picnic there? Or grab some of the fantastic food sold on site while watching some of the exciting games throughout the week! Take a look here for ticket availability and book today! http://www.lta.org.uk/fans-major-events/LTA-summer-grass-court-events/AEGON-International/

Now you know where to go for your picnic make sure you kit up your basket with enough food and drink for all, suncream and a brolly. Also remember to kindly take your rubbish with you.

Classic picnic food consists of sandwiches, sausage rolls and strawberries but if you fancy something different, how about getting some fish and chips from one of Eastbourne’s finest chippies on the way!

For more information on any of these sites go to www.visiteastbourne.com

Happy Picnic Week! J

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.

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