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Lights, camera, action – and within a flash, the scene is again set for Eastbourne’s hugely popular seafront carnival.
The town will be in a party mood and ready for an action-packed, fun-filled afternoon, when the carnival extravaganza returns on Saturday, May 23.
With this year’s chosen theme of ‘Lights, Camera, Action’, more than 50 groups are set to take over the length of the seafront from Fisherman’s Green to the Wish Tower Slopes, with the parade beginning at 2pm.
A highlight this May will be the return of a contingent from the Dortmund Carnival, alongside various groups representing Latin America.
Organisers are also delighted that last year’s Best Non-Sussex Entrant – “Bhangra Smash Up” – are back in town, together with the Metronomes Steel Pan Orchestra from Notting Hill Carnival
They will be proudly parading and performing alongside numerous Eastbourne and Sussex-based charities, community groups, schools and businesses – all ready to put on a great show.
The carnival will be officially launched in Victoria Place at 11am by the Mayor of Eastbourne, Margaret Bannister. Bhangra Smash Up will then perform at The GlassHouse, off Royal Parade, from midday, before the main parade sets off from Fisherman’s Green at 2pm.
At around 5pm, the parade will end at the Wish Tower Slopes, with the carnival street – featuring Bhangra Smash Up, Fergus, Just Vibez and Mr General – in full swing from 4:30pm to 8.30pm.
Spectators are encouraged to find a viewing spot by around 2pm, to ensure they do not miss the 50-plus entrants as they make their way along the seafront towards The View Hotel.
Emma Pearce, Marketing Manager at Lightning Fibre, said: “The team of volunteers and organisers work incredibly hard to showcase the best of our town through the carnival – and it is a wonderful event for our whole community to enjoy
“Eastbourne thrives on hospitality, and I know we will be giving the entrants from other towns, and even from overseas, the warmest of welcomes! Do join us on the parade route and support this year’s carnival”
Mina O’Brien, chair of Eastbourne Carnival CIC, said this year promised to be a great parade full of celebration – showcasing the world of television, film and theatre.
Mina said: “We are delighted and thankful to have had the support this year from Lightning Fibre for our creative workshops, and Arts Council England.
“We are thankful to all of our sponsors, including our Platinum and Gold Sponsors: Eastbourne Sightseeing, The Best of Eastbourne, Seahaven FM, Media Attention, Eastbourne News, The View Hotel, Bourne Free, Custard, Your Eastbourne BID, Mativus, Elite Medical, Eastbourne Theatres, and PMA Scaffolding – and to everyone that has contributed to the event.
“We are also grateful to our partners and volunteers who are supporting the event this year. Carnival really is a great example of the community coming together.”
For updates leading up to the event, please follow our Facebook, Instagram and TikTok channels.
Don’t forget to bring change to the carnival or donate on the day via our QR Code – all funds raised go to our participating charity and non-profit entrants and into the pot for the 2027 carnival
