5 April, 2012
Eastbourne Festival fans can look forward to a fantastic start to the fifth year of the popular cultural celebration as shoppers are treated to the best of the fest at the ‘Streets of Eastbourne’ launch event on Saturday 7 April.
The festival which runs from 7 to 29 April kicks off with a day of performances on not one, but two town centre stages, showcasing the range of events taking place during the three week event, along with the chance to shop for arts and crafts goodies in the street market.
One of the festival organisers, Julian Sutherland-Beatson said "We've got so much going on this year that residents and visitors will be spoilt for choice. The Streets of Eastbourne event on the 7th will be a great opportunity to sample what's on offer during our packed 3 week programme and to choose your favourites!"
During the three week festival, comedy fans can look forward to Hardeep Singh Koli’s Indian Takeaway on 11 April, as the broadcaster, writer and Celebrity Masterchef finalist cooks up a comedic Indian feast racing against the clock, before the local takeaway delivers live on stage.
Literary followers can seek inspiration from the Booker Prize short-listed ‘Reef’ author Romesh Gunesekera on 19 April and more talks and workshops follow on 25 April from writers and publishers, including a unique insight from the illustrator behind the Harry Potter phenomenon.
A range of concerts around Eastbourne feature everything from choral to ska, folk and even a performance from jazz royalty Jacqui Dankworth on 15 April.
Plus this year, St Mary’s, OldTown, hosts a series of new concerts and workshops throughout the Festival including ‘Lux Aeterna’ Eastbourne’s Early Music Chamber Choir on 20 April, featuring Tudor music from the Court of Henry VIII. The programme also includes music by Schoenberg and Tchaikovsky performed by The Thames Ensemble on 11 April and contemporary music by the newly formed South East choir Cantus Amoris on 27 April.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “In just 5 years the Eastbourne Festival has grown into a superb event, giving visitors even more reasons to visit Eastbourne in the Spring. Each year it just gets bigger and better with an amazing array of talent and is gaining such a momentum that it is exciting to see where it leads us next.”
Learn about history in the Great War Weekend on 21 – 22 April at The Redoubt Fortress with re-enactments and family hands on activities or why not join a Stage Fighting Workshop on 28 April. During your visit catch the Redoubt’s latest photographic and video installation The Visitor, a result of the artists exploration of the fortress and other historic sites in the South East.
For a truly unique experience, festival visitors can enjoy a Parisian style afternoon tea in an intimate setting at The Grand Éclair which makes its debut appearance on 14 April. Served in a decadent, velvet festooned Raj marquee, indulge and admire the art exhibition and enjoy a surprise finale!
In the evening join a supernatural stroll or head to Boudoir Burlesque on 21 April who return with their beautifully choreographed routines, including the chance to participate in the Burlesque photo booth and raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Art lovers can tour the Artist Open Houses for a superb range of locally inspired arts and crafts or head to the East Sussex Open exhibition at Towner for a showcase of artists and makers across the county.
The festival also includes collaborations with local schools including ‘A Sense of Place’ art exhibition showcasing six schools at Langney Shopping Centre on 21-22 April and Street Dance performances from St AndrewsSchool on 24 April.
For more information visit the website or telephone 0871 663 0031.
