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!

EASTBOURNE’S FAMOUS PANTOMIME IS BEASTLY GOOD FUN!

Eastbourne’s stunning pantomime is the family favourite Beauty and the Beast, at the Devonshire Park Theatre from 12 December until 11 January. With a cast of pure talent and plenty of magical surprises in store it is sure to be the highlight of the season!

Eastbourne favourites Martyn Knight and Tucker return to cause more chaos and calamity with Hollyoaks star Carley Stenson, fresh from her West End roles in Spamalot, Legally Blonde and Shrek making her Eastbourne debut as Malevolent.

Our heroine Belle (Emily Bull) is set to go on a journey of love and adventure which will prove that beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. Imprisoned in an enchanted Chateau by a hideous looking beast, her only friends are Dame Derriere (Martyn Knight) and the hapless Potty Pierre (Tucker), but what has happened to the handsome Prince? Will the wicked enchantress’ spell be broken before the last rose petal falls?

Eastbourne’s pantomimes are famed for giving audiences a true live theatre experience, with a full band, beautiful costumes designed and created especially for the show and of course lots of magical onstage effects. And with tickets prices that are far from beastly, priced from just £12, this is a pantomime for everyone to enjoy.

Beauty and the Beast at the Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne, from 12 December until 11 January. Tickets priced from £12 to £20 with concessions available, to book or for more information call the box office on 01323 412000 or online www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk.

John Lewis Christmas Advert – What Happened Next….

Following the release of the much anticipated John Lewis Christmas advert this week, VisitEastbourne has launched a follow-on story in a new video jointly produced with local zoo and visitor attraction, Drusillas Park.

The annual festive fight for TV audiences began this week with last year’s favourite, John Lewis, bringing out their 2014 masterpiece featuring Monty the Penguin.

Staff at VisitEastbourne and Drusillas Park were so mesmerised by the magical film that they decided to take the story even further, showing what happens next in a brand new video.

The short video features the little boy and his penguins on a day out to Drusillas Park, where they make new friends and have a whale of a time in the cool penguin pool, along with a tasty lunch of fresh fish.  Realising they are happier in their new home, the little boy waves a sad goodbye, but has a heart-warming surprise in store from the kind Park Keepers. 

Leaving with his new furry friend, the film ends with one very happy boy and the caption ‘give someone the holiday they’ve been dreaming of’.

Drusillas Park is home to a wide range of animals from meerkats and monkeys to lemurs, lorikeets and even red pandas.  Featuring Europe’s only Hello Kitty attraction with three themed rides, a Thomas the Tank Engine train, Eden’s Eye interactive maze and Go Wild and Go Bananas adventure play, the award-winning attraction is a must for visitors to the south coast.

The fun video is just the start of a two month campaign of festive fun in Eastbourne, with Drusillas providing a major highlight in the calendar, with their Winter Wonderland Illuminations from 29 November to 4 January. 

Synchronised to festive music and animations, the display of over 50,000 lights, is turned on daily at 3.30pm to reveal a dazzling display of magical creatures in an ice capped kingdom, which even features penguins.  With further events including Hug a Husky, meet Santa’s Reindeer and a visit to Santa’s Christmas Cottage, the fun-packed programme has fast become a highlight for many families living in and visiting Eastbourne.

To view the video or for more information, visit www.visiteastbourne.com/christmas.  To visit Drusillas Park, book online with their prize squeezer at www.drusillas.co.uk. 

Snuggle up and get cosy in Eastbourne this Autumn

As the trees turn from green to brown and the temperatures fall, Eastbourne has it covered for things to do this Autumn to keep you warm and cheery.

Runners enjoying the Beachy Head Marathon

Eastbourne's incredible action packed events season has wound to an end for another year culminating in one of the best ever Beachy Head Marathon with the most perfect of weather; though this is not a reason to hibernate for the winter until it all starts off again in 2015. Instead get out and about and explore some of Eastbourne's gems.

Alfriston Village

Now is the perfect time of year to sling on a scarf, get your finest tea cosy out to keep your head warm and take a lovely stroll across the South Downs. Take full advantage of Eastbourne's great location nestled in the downlands and head over to one of the many quaint Sussex village including Jevington, East Dean, Litlington or Alfriston. Each village naturally has the 'essential' local pub where guests can relax with a warming scotch and put your feet up next to open roaring fires. The Plough & Harrow at Litlington even has a dedicated room, 'The Snug' in which the tables are cosy with an original fireplace to warm up before the walk back.

Beauty & the Beast
c Peter Gurr

For the rainy days, Eastbourne's Theatre-land comes alive in November with a crammed calendar of shows including the Russian State Ballet and Saturday Night Fever, but not forgetting of course the essential part to any festive period, 'He's behind you'....it's the Beauty and the Beast.
Eastbourne Panto returning with what is set to be another Jordan productions epic with the audience in hysterics.

If you're looking for something a bit different then be sure to head to the Ancestors Exhibition at the Pavilion where the home of the mysterious Beachy Head Lady and many other fascinating archaeological finds are housed, will be staying open for an extra month due to popular demand. 

The free exhibition which discovers Eastbourne’s Roman and Saxon roots, using ground-breaking scientific bone analysis and cranio-facial reconstructions, will now remain open until 19 December.

The Winter Wonderland Illuminations at Drusillas Park

As I write, I'm compiling a list of everything Christmasy happening in Eastbourne. The list currently stands at a total of 57 events! There really is so much happening in this festive period in Eastbourne ranging from street Markets in Meads, Seaside, Little Chelsea and Alfriston to dazzling Winter Wonderland Illuminations at Drusillas Park and Santa Fun Run's along the seafront!

Not forgetting of course Eastbourne’s iconic seafront Bandstand will provide a Christmas Day highlight for residents and visitors, as the traditional free concert returns for a triple bill over the festive period.

With packed seafront hotels and more than 4,000 festive fans expected, the seafront venue will provide yuletide entertainment on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day – all completely free of charge.

For all the latest info and events updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter

Beachy Head Marathon & 10K; The Final Countdown

Taking place on 25 October, the Beachy Head Marathon is Eastbourne’s top sporting fixture and a favourite amongst runners. With just a couple of days to go, the end goal is in sight!

The Beachy Head Marathon is a scenic gem, with subscribers to Runners World regularly voting it as one of the most iconic events in the country.  The marathon covers 300 steps and 14 gates, passing through Jevington, Alfriston, Litlington, Friston Forest, the Cuckmere Valley and Seven Sisters, including Birling Gap and Beachy Head.

Runners are greeted by the iconic starting hill

The thought running through most entrants mind right now is one of excited anticipation mixed with with the daunting challenge of the hilly terrain and for some, pure fear! When thinking about the marathon, one of the most iconic images is that of the 'near-vertical' looking hill start that believe me, does seem to just keep on getting higher the further you run up. One of the top tips gleamed on my first Beachy was that of to take the hill very steady and even walk it. It's worth remembering that there are another 26.1 miles to go once your at the top and you'll need every last drop of energy to finish!

With the runners entry list finalised last week, organisers are delighted to welcome runners from all round the globe including America, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, France, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Spain, Sweden and of course all over the UK.

With live music at key points along the way including the lone bag-piper at the top of the infamous starting hill, there will be plenty of viewing points for spectators to cheer entrants on around the course with the easiest accessible for spectators being at the Seven Sisters Country Park and Birling Gap.

Last year, a new additional 10 kilometre race was added and it will return again this year. Hill runners can enjoy the shorter version of the marathon with a route comprising of breath taking views and challenges, starting and finishing in the same location. Last years winner, Ben Gibson did so in a time of 40 minutes and 35 seconds. This works out at over 9mph which is an incredble feat considering the challenging and undulating terrain.

Both races start and finish at Bedes School on Dukes Drive on 25 October 2014. The Beachy Head Marathon starts at 9am with runners returning from 12-6pm. The 10k race will start shortly after the marathon at approximately 9:30am.

For more information please visit the website at www.beachyheadmarathon.co.uk

Frightening Family Fun this Half Term

We're ramping up the fear factor this half term with a huge range of activities on offer from spooky trails to our first ever science fiction convention!

Here's our guide to some fiendish fun if you dare to visit....

Spooky Trails and Gruesome Battles at the Redoubt Fortress

25 Oct - 2 Nov

Redoubt Fortress Twilight Tour

Our 200 year old seafront fortress opens its first Halloween trail with treats and prizes for all.  The spooky trail during half term includes a creepy quiz through the cobwebbed corridors of the museum and a macabre science lab of grisly finds.

For those seeking a frightful night, the Twilight Tour on 25 October includes the opportunity to discover gruesome battles and ghostly sightings, as told by the attraction’s resident 19th century tour guide.

To celebrate the big day on 31 October, pop-up cinema returns with an evening film screening of The Evil Dead (1981) within one of the fortresses’ creepy casemates.  With popcorn and a licensed bar, those brave enough, can settle down and enjoy one of the most celebrated horror films of all time.

Plus: don't miss the 2 for 1 offer on tickets throughout the week!

Drusillas Shriek Week 

25 Oct – 2 Nov

Haunted Heights at Drusillas

Drusillas Park unleashes Shriek Week with a spook-tacular week of Halloween fun at the award-winning zoo.  At Haunted Heights, sin sisters Hocus and Pocus play hide and shriek with the unsuspecting public, inviting thrill seekers to knock on the trap door and discover the ghostly secret within.  With an escaped Mummy wandering around the temple ruins in Eden’s Eye maze, creepy crawly encounters at the Discovery Centre and a visit from Scooby Doo on 29 October, there will be more than just the usual animal magic on offer.

Most Haunted

13th century former monastery, and venue of one of the scariest episodes of

Pevensey Castle: Photo by Graham Huntley

TV’s Most Haunted, Michelham Priory, brings a medieval vibe to their Hallowe’en fun day on 31 October with traditional entertainment including Punch & Judy, crafts, drama and more.

Pevensey Castle, home of the ghostly Pale Lady of Pevensey, offers dark dungeons to explore by day along with lantern lit ghost walks by night on 25 and 31 October, uncovering stories of the Pale Lady, smugglers and even a gruesome murder.

Make a Spectre of Yourself
Image by Elizabeth Doak

Fright Nights at Blackstock Farm return from 22 October to 1 November for the brave with creepy craft making, pumpkin carving and ghost hunt in the haunted wood during the day throughout half term. 

Make a Spectre of Yourself at Towner creating creepy images with photographer Elizabeth Doak on 31 October and visit the free exhibitions, including Twixt Two Worlds, which explore early cinema and moving images.

Fiendish Pumpkins

Pumpkin Carving at Sharnfold Farm

The ideal stop off for pumpkin carving, Sharnfold Farm offers a great farm

shop and café, along with a Wicked Witch Hunt around the farm trail from 27-31 October.  Their Halloween displays are legendary and staff are on hand to help young visitors with their own fiendish pumpkin creations.

Meet witches, wizards, owls and bats at Borde Hill Garden throughout half term, or head to the Observatory Science Centre on 30 October for fascinating experiments with volcanoes and earthquakes.  Make flying bats and screaming balloons at their Open Evening on 1 November before gazing through the historic telescopes.

WynterCon

For Science Fiction Fans

30 Oct – 2 Nov

Perfect for science fiction, horror and fantasy fans, Eastbourne’s first ever WynterCon convention at the Winter Garden, brings a Halloween Masquerade Ball, Steampunked Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties, comic book zone, celebrity guests, the UK’s largest collection of Blade Runner props and memorabilia and cult classic movie screenings.

Fang-tastic Free Fun

Discovering Bones at
Eastbourne Ancestors

Budding archaeologists and young historians can discover the mystery surrounding the Beachy Head Lady at the free Eastbourne Ancestors exhibition.  Thousands have already marvelled at the Saxon treasures and met the skeleton of Eastbourne’s most famous ancestor, a rare archaeological discovery for British shores. 

Beachy Head Marathon
photo by Graham Huntley

Hundreds will be cheering on the Beachy Head Marathon runners at this annual sporting fixture on 25 October.  One of the most challenging and scenic marathon’s in the UK, the huge turnout of spectators along the route is thanks to the beauty of the South Downs National Park route, perfect for Autumn walks, discovering pretty villages and pub lunches by the fireside.

Terrific Theatre

St Vincent

In the evening, Eastbourne Theatres offer a packed programme of shows, including Grease, Oliver!, Alfie's Starquest hosted by BGT Finalist Steve Hewlett and American singer-songwriter St Vincent, following her recent support of The Black Keys. Plus Henrietta the Hippo's Funhouse returns on Saturday morning 1 November.

Great Offers

Boutique hotel, The Langtons, and the family-friendly Guesthouse East, are offering 20%off all stays of 3 nights or more throughout October, with the latter offering self-contained family suites and the flexibility of both B&B and self catering.

                                                                                 

For more information visit www.VisitEastbourne.com/halloween. 

Real Ale, Nordic Walking and the Delights of the South Downs National Park

Eastbourne and Wealden’s brand new Coast & Country Walking Festival starts this week from 27 September to 5 October, and we can't wait to see some of the highlights which range from foodie tours to Bloomsbury art.

Featuring more than 70 guided walks - most of which are free, the nine day festival will showcase the sights, sounds and tastes of the South Downs National Park, Sussex Weald and stunning Eastbourne coastline.

                          

Ranging from Nordic Walking to photography and even a brewery walking tour, foodie fans can browse the Farmers Market on the Proms and Pickles tour, or discover behind the scenes with tutored tastings on the Two Brewery Tour.  The fascinating full day tour stops at the Beachy Head Brewery, home of the ‘Legless Rambler’ and Long Man Brewery in Litlington – the team behind the charity Craft Pier beer, raising money for Eastbourne’s fire damaged pier.

Walks range from short family walks to strenuous day-long hikes with more than half of the walks on offer being completely free of charge.

For those seeking more of a challenge, Great Outdoors writer, Daniel Neilson, will take walkers on one of the more steep and strenuous free walks from the foot of the South Downs cliffs in Eastbourne to Beachy Head, Birling Gap, Friston Forest and past the mysterious Long Man of Wilmington, discussing a range of subjects including outdoor writing and walking gear.

Fans of Victorian architecture can enjoy a free Victorian Eastbourne walk and discover many historical gems along the way, or a free walk along Pevensey Levels sees the eerie ghost port remains of the continuing thousand year battle between man and sea.

In Hailsham, the opportunity to try out Nordic walking includes a special torchlit tour along the Cuckoo Trail.  A fitness sport with walking poles that uses 90% of skeletal muscles, Nordic walking is increasing in popularity, and a more progressive walk through the Seven Sisters Country Park should also offer a great challenge and some fantastic views.

A photographic tour along the Cuckoo Trail may provide great inspiration to begin a new hobby, or for art lovers, the Abbots and Artists tour is the perfect walk from the market town of Alfriston to the monastic grange at Alciston and its magnificent tithe barn, finishing with a visit to see paintings by the Bloomsbury group of artists at Berwick Church. 

Several seafront walks include the opportunity to raise funds for charity including Promenade of Pride on 28 September, raising money for the Royal British Legion, and Sussex Association for Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus SASBAH Stroll on 4 October.

The Coast & Country Walking Festival is organised by both Eastbourne Borough Council and Wealden District Council.

Free walks include:

• On the Edge of Sussex (with Great Outdoors Magazine) 27 Sept
• Fore Twos are Eight (Butts Brow to East Dean with Gill Mattock) 27 Sept
• Bede’s Coastal Path (with Age Concern Walking for Health) 27 Sept
• Victorian Eastbourne (with architect Richard Crook) 27 & 28 Sept
• Downs, Cliff & Forest (Long Distance Walking Association) 28 Sept
• Promenade of Pride (Royal British Legion sponsored walk) 28 Sept
• Nordic Progression Walk at the Seven Sisters Country Park (with Peter Williamson) 28 Sept
• Photographic Walk along the Cuckoo Trail (with Hailsham Trust) 29 Sept
• Two for the Price of One (Eastbourne to Birling Gap with Gill Mattock) 29 Sept
• Hampden Park Healthy Walk 30 Sept
• Hailsham Nordic Walk Taster Session (with Nigel Bentley) 30 Sept & 3 Oct
• Inns, Inning & the Ghost Port (Norman’s Bay & Pevensey Levels with Graham Kean) 2 Oct
• Shinewater Healthy Walk 3 Oct
• SASBAH Stroll sponsored walk 4 Oct
• Abbots and Artists (Alfriston to Bloomsbury church paintings at Berwick, with Graham Kean) 5 Oct

Charged walks include:

• Two Breweries Tour 27 & 28 Sept
• Various seafront, Beachy Head, pub and history walks (with Harry Pope) 27/28 Sept & 4/5 Oct
• To the Manor Bourne (Eastbourne Historic Old Town Group) 29 Sept
• Where the Bourne Springs (Eastbourne Historic Old Town Group) 30 Sept
• From Proms to Pickles (Eastbourne to East Dean Farmers Market) 1 Oct
• Nordic Walk on Cuckoo Trail by Torchlight (with Nigel Bentley) 3 Oct
• Berwick to Arlington Ramble (with Nigel Bentley) 5 Oct

Many walks are free of charge, however booking is required on all walks.  For more information or to book a place, visit www.SussexWalkingFestival.org.uk.