Major Events

In addition to the 4-day airshow Airbourne held every August in Eastbourne there are many other major events, listed below.

These events are run by both the council and independent groups and organisations. They all have their own websites which give you full information.

Additionally, Eastbourne Borough Council has a website dedicated to tourist events at VisitEastbourne.com. This website tells you all the information you need about what's going on throughout the year for both tourists and residents.

A Guide to Major Events

• Eastbourne Festival - every Easter
  Held for the first time in 2008 the Eastbourne Festival is a celebration of Art and Culture in Eastbourne through open houses, workshops, exhibitions and more. Visit the Eastbourne Festival website for full events listings.

• Magnificent Motors
  Held every May Day Bank Holiday on Eastbourne seafront. Magnificent Motors hosts 500 vintage and classic cars, motorbikes, buses, steam traction engines, commercial and military vehicles displayed on the seafront along with a French Market.

• International Tennis Ladies Championships 
  Held every June at the Devonshire Park.

• Eastbourne 999 Display 2008 - Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July 2008
  The 999 display held on the Western Lawns and Wish Tower Slopes. It is now the largest show of its kind in the UK. The event is managed by and organising committee from the local emergency services and aims to raise awareness of the services that all these groups provide and to provide a fun and interactive day out for all the family.

• Eastbourne Extreme - Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July 2008
  Held every year July or August on Eastbourne's Eastern Seafront. Includes Inline and Artistic skating and Waterborne Activities.

• Eastbourne Lammas Festival - Saturday 2 to Sunday 3 August 2008.
  An extravaganza of folk music, local bands and performers, morris dancing and drumming on Eastbourne's Western Lawns. Held every August around Eastbourne seafront and town centre; with live music, dancers, drummers and stalls both days. Includes a Carnival parade with traditional Giants and children's entertainment.

• Eastbourne Victorian Festival - Saturday 27th September to Saturday 4th October 2008
  Held every October at venues across Eastbourne. A week of events with groups, organisations, schools and individuals celebrating the Eastbourne of Victorian times. Includes theatre, music and children's activities.

• Eastbourne Beer Festival - Thursday 9 to Saturday 11 October 2008
  Held every October at the Winter Garden. You can sample Beers, Ales, Wine and Ciders from around the world with food tastings and daily entertainment.

• Feastbourne
  Feastbourne is a new food and drink festival with a wide variety of events running over 10 days, the event is every October at the Winter Garden and other venues in Eastbourne.

• Beachy Head Marathon - Saturday 25 October 2008
  Held every October across the South Downs coast and countryside, 1,750 runners, joggers and walkers participate in this challenging event.

There are also regular community events held around the town. Find out more about these by visiting our What's On section. This also lists theatre performances.