Prunella Scales Brings Queen Victoria to Life in Eastbourne

12 September 2007

Eastbourne Victorian Festival fans can look forward to an extra special visitor this year, as actress Prunella Scales brings Britain's longest-reigning monarch to life in ‘An Evening with Queen Victoria'.

Part of the week long festival, which runs from 29th September to 6th October, the event is just one of many taking place at various venues across Eastbourne, celebrating the town's Victorian heritage.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said "This festival is a wonderful way to explore Eastbourne's history and architecture and understand more about the beginnings of our town. As well as being educational, its great fun for all the family, with events to suit all ages and tastes."

The Festival launches on 29th September with a visit by Queen Victoria who will be received by the Mayor of Eastbourne, Cllr Pooley, on the steps of the Town Hall. The day also includes festivities at the Enterprise Centre, (formerly a railway station), followed by a visit by Queen Victoria to the actual railway station and to the modern-day Arndale Centre.

Prunella Scales follows on 30th September, with her portrayal of Queen Victoria at the Devonshire Park Theatre. The Queen's choice of songs will be sung by tenor, Ian Partridge.

The Festival also includes a wide range of fascinating presentations. For example, Anne Morgan, trained at the Victorian and Albert Museum and the Royal College of Art, will reveal some of the secrets of Victorian fashion and how 19th century women achieved those amazing silhouettes.

Music lovers have plenty to choose from too. Pianist Richard Ormrod returns from his globe-trotting this year with violinist, Mary Hofman. Their full programme will include popular music by Greig.

The event culminates on Saturday 6th October, with The Big Dip, a (literally) breathtaking charity dip in the sea, featuring genuine Victorian swimmers, followed by the Eastbourne Silver Band at the Bandstand and in the evening the return of the Eastbourne Royal Hippodrome Music Hall.

The Eastbourne Victorian Festival is organised by the Eastbourne Society. Sponsors of the more than forty events include Berkeley Homes and Waitrose.

For more information visit www.eastbournesociety.co.uk or telephone 0871 663 0031.