AT Your Eastbourne BID, we’ve been planning this summer for a long time – and I can honestly say it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting programmes we’ve put together.
Eastbourne Pride: Coming to Little Chelsea
I’m genuinely thrilled about this one. We’ve been working in close partnership with Eastbourne Pride to bring their fantastic event into the heart of the town centre, and this year it lands right in the middle of Little Chelsea. On Saturday 13th June, from 12 noon through to 7pm, the area will come alive with live music, entertainment, stalls and games.
Pride is always a brilliant occasion – full of colour, community and real joy – and having it embedded in our town centre this year feels like a statement of intent about the kind of place Eastbourne is and wants to be. We’re proud to be part of it.
Tennis in the Town Centre returns
If you were in the town centre last year when we ran the tennis fanzone, you’ll know how brilliant the atmosphere was. Deckchairs out, big screen on, the smell of good food drifting across from the restaurants and bars – and all the action from Centre Court at Eastbourne’s Lexus International Tennis Competition action playing out.
We’re delighted to be partnering with the LTA again this year to bring it back, and this time we’re doing it in the newly pedestrianised Victoria Place, which gives us even more space to work with. From Monday 22nd June through to Saturday 27th June, you can catch all the Centre Court action on the big screen, enjoy swingball, relax in the deckchairs, and take full advantage of everything the fantastic restaurants, bars and shops around you have to offer. It’s a great excuse to come into town and make a day of it.
Supporting Local: Eastbourne Boxing Club
Away from the BID’s own programme, I always love using this column to shine a light on what else is going on in our community – and Eastbourne Boxing Club are doing something well worth your attention. They hosted their fourth live show of the year on Saturday 23rd May, at Saint Elisabeth’s Church on Victoria Drive. It was an evening of amateur boxing under England Boxing rules, with hot food and a bar, and by all accounts the atmosphere was fantastic. You can find out more at eastbourneboxingclub.co.uk or drop them a message at eastbourneboxingclub@gmail.com.
A word from one of our partners: Hart Reade Solicitors
Part of what makes Eastbourne’s town centre tick is the quality of the professional services businesses based here – and Hart Reade Solicitors are a fine example. This year they celebrate an impressive 116 years of helping individuals and businesses across East Sussex with the legal moments that matter most. Whether you’re buying a home, writing a will, navigating a divorce or resolving a dispute, their team brings genuine clarity to what can often feel like complex and daunting situations. Their tagline – always approachable – says it all. With offices in Eastbourne, Hailsham and Polegate, expert legal advice really has never been closer to home. Find out more at hartreade.co.uk or call 01323 727321.
A full Summer programme
The Pride and tennis events are the headlines, but the whole summer calendar is packed. We have live music in Victoria Place running throughout the warmer months, the farmers market on the first Saturday of every month, and the antiques fair on the third weekend. Both have become firm fixtures that consistently draw great footfall into the town centre.
