Spend a Magical Month in Eastbourne

28 October 2008

Eastbourne is set to glisten in the festive air this December with a whole month of magical events culminating in a Christmas spectacular at the resort's iconic seafront Bandstand.

The town is getting ready for a bumper month full of festive spirit with the UK's only fully operational Bandstand providing a fitting Christmas and Boxing Day celebration. Over 4,000 revellers are expected to attend the free Christmas concerts as Eastbourne Silver Band and The Ray Campbell Dance Band provide two mornings of traditional Christmas fare with mulled wine and dancing to really get the crowds warmed up.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said "Christmas 2008 is really set to be extra special in Eastbourne with plenty going on throughout the town to bring a smile to everyone's faces. The Bandstand concerts are always a favourite with the people of Eastbourne and the rest of the month doesn't disappoint either. From Christmas Magic events in the town centre to the resort's hotels and guesthouses offering excellent deals for Christmas away from home, the festive season is shaping up to be fun-filled for everyone."

Christmas Magic is set to wave its wand over the town centre on the first weekend of December, and this year it's all being held in aid of St Wilfrid's Hospice.

On Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December, a Christmas Market will fill the town centre, with a host of stalls offering local produce, ethical and fair trade goods. Plus kids can join Father Christmas' Parade through the town to his new Grotto at Bonners Music Store, ride on the traditional Carousel, or hunt for silver in the St Wilfrid's Treasure Hunt Competition.

Plus Jane de Weck is bringing her photographic studio to the town on 17 November with a special Christmas exhibition and competition to win a life-sized Bambi.

It's ‘Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, Off to work we go' at Eastbourne Theatres in December as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs provides traditional pantomime fun at the town's Devonshire Park Theatre. BBC's I'd Do Anything Star, Niamh Perry steps into the role of Snow White and gets the whole audience booing and cheering along all month, from 12 December - 11 January.

Alfriston, just outside Eastbourne, is also getting into the Christmas spirit as a Dickensian Parade kicks off the festive celebrations at the beginning of December. A tradition for more than 20 years, a costumed procession will line the charming high street offering stalls selling unique Christmas gifts plus the village will illuminate as the Christmas lights are turned on.

Just down the road, Drusilla's Zoo will be keeping the kids entertained as families are invited into its cosy Christmas Cottage throughout the month, with the chance to watch Santa and his elves hard at work preparing all the presents.

Herstmonceux's Observatory Science Centre and Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway are also offering festive weekends for the kids. Marvel at spectacular science shows or ride the Santa Special Steam Train to Santa's Grotto; kids will be spoilt for choice at the seaside this winter.

The resort's wide range of hotels, guesthouses and self-catering accommodation are offering plenty of deals for Christmas so that all the hard work can be left to somebody else this year. Chill out on the south coast and enjoy good old-fashioned festive entertainment away from the usual TV and film repeats.

Relax at Eastbourne's 4-star guest accommodation The Mowbray with a four night Christmas break for £450 per person, or opt for a luxurious Christmas to remember with a Grand House Party at the resort's 5-star Grand Hotel, prices start at £950 per person.

For more information on what's going on in Eastbourne this Christmas or for gift inspiration visit www.visiteastbourne.com with a stocked online shop offering great stocking fillers, or find out more by telephoning 0871 663 0031.