There’s a particular moment every year that I look forward to more than almost anything else in this job — the moment the Christmas lights go on above the high street and the town suddenly feels like it’s ready for the season.
That moment is coming again, and once more the BID is proud to be coordinating so much of what makes Christmas in Eastbourne special: the light switch-on, Little Chelsea Festive Fun and Fireworks, and Christmas Carols at Bankers Corner.
Let’s start with the switch-on itself. On Saturday 28th November, come down to Bankers Corner for an evening of live music, great stalls, and the countdown to the lights going up across town. This year we’ve invested more than £50,000 in the display – additional trees, additional lighting, and a genuinely lovely addition to the evening: the unveiling of the winning entry in our Design-a-Christmas-Light competition. Every year I’m struck by how much thought and imagination the children of this town put into their designs, and this year is no exception.
If your child would like the chance to design the ‘Panto Light’ and be the one to help turn on the display, we want to hear from them. Email us directly at info@youreastbournebid.com so we can send the form. It’s one of my favourite parts of the run-up to Christmas, and I’d encourage every family in town to get involved.
A week after the switch-on, on Friday 5th December from 4pm to 8pm, Little Chelsea Festive Fun and Fireworks makes its return. This event has been a fixture of the Eastbourne Christmas calendar for years now, and for good reason – it’s a brilliant showcase of everything that makes Little Chelsea such a special part of town. The traders there put real heart into the evening, and I’d urge anyone who hasn’t experienced it before to come along and see what the fuss is about.
Then, to close out the festive season, the Farmers Market will make a special one-off appearance outside the Towner Gallery on 19th December – perfectly timed for anyone needing fresh, local produce for the Christmas dinner table. Throughout the day, from 11am to 6pm, we’ll have carol and sing-a-long acts at Bankers Corner to keep everyone in the festive spirit while they shop.
If you’re a trader and would like to take part in any of these events, get in touch with me directly at luke@youreastbournebid.com.
While I’m on the subject of markets, I want to say a proper thank you for the support shown to our markets this year, including the new Antiques Market, which ran from April through to August. We’re finalising plans for its return next year, but if you’re after more antiques and brocante finds in the meantime, the Farmers Market continues outside the Towner Gallery on the first Saturday of every month, plus that special one-off date on 19th December for Christmas. Eastbourne Borough Market also continues to go from strength to strength, running every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, with a great variety of hot food, gifts and local produce. These markets only work because people turn up and support them, so thank you.
I also want to use this column to give a shout-out to somewhere I think deserves the spotlight this Christmas: The Lighthouse Gallery, which is celebrating five years since opening its doors on Cornfield Terrace this September. Over those five years, the gallery has proudly supported 25 local artists and makers, building a genuinely brilliant creative community in the heart of town. It’s a warm, welcoming space where you can grab a coffee, a light lunch or a homemade cake, all while browsing an ever-changing collection of local art and handmade gifts – paintings, pottery, fused glass, silver jewellery, wood, textiles and more. If you’re looking for a special gift this Christmas, or you simply believe in shopping small and backing independent businesses, I can’t think of a better place to start. Pop in and see for yourself at 19 Cornfield Terrace.
