EASTBOURNE Carnival will return to the town on Saturday 23 May 2026, with organisers revealing a new theme and a programme of creative events designed to help residents get involved.
Lightning Fibre has confirmed it is sponsoring the 2026 Eastbourne Carnival CIC Creative Workshops, giving a major boost to preparations for one of Eastbourne’s largest community celebrations.
The theme for next year’s carnival has been announced as “Lights, Camera, Action!”, encouraging participants to take inspiration from film, television, theatre and musicals.
Organisers say the theme promises bold costumes, imaginative floats and energetic performances inspired by the magic of the stage and screen.
In the run-up to the carnival, a series of Creative Workshops will run from February to March 2026, offering opportunities to learn costume making, prop building, sewing, headdress creation, as well as taking part in dance and performance workshops.
In addition, the Carnival is hosting a number of informal events called ‘Meet the Makers’, aimed at anyone interested in taking part in the carnival. The sessions will give residents the chance to meet organisers, ask questions, share ideas and find out how to get involved, whether as a performer, maker or volunteer.
Dates and venues for both the Creative Workshops and the Meet the Makers sessions will be announced soon. Residents are encouraged to follow updates via the Eastbourne Carnival Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/eastbournecarnival
Organisers say the expanded programme of workshops and events reflects the carnival’s commitment to celebrating creativity, inclusion and community spirit in the heart of Eastbourne.
