Eastbourne Prepares to Light Up Half Term
27th January 2022
Eastbourne will be lighting up this half term with a colourful winter lantern festival, in a brand new free event for families this February.
The Eastbourne Jubilee Lantern Festival will run from 14 – 20 February at the Pavilion Gardens, with free entry, to launch the start of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year.
The seafront gardens will welcome a magical array of handcrafted lanterns and flags, all lit up and displayed in a trail throughout the gardens each afternoon and evening, starting from Valentine’s Day.
The lanterns, ranging from botanical inspired creations to colourful creatures and royal displays to celebrate the Jubilee year will be provided by Samesky, a charity behind many of the creative lanterns found at winter light events across the county.
The charity will also be working with local school children to produce community art to appear within the display.
Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Member for Tourism and Culture, Councillor Margaret Bannister said “We’re delighted to be able to kick off the Jubilee year with a new event, giving an added reason to visit Eastbourne this winter.
The Pavilion Gardens are becoming an increasingly popular venue for our seafront visitors, enjoying everything from live music to the outdoor gym and on-site café. This really is a magical treat for families, friends and even romantic couples, looking for a vibrant escape this February.”
The free festival is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, via the government’s Welcome Back Fund, designed to welcome back visitors to destinations following the pandemic.
The festival will coincide with the start of the Queen’s 70th year following her ascent to the throne in February 1952.
In addition to the lantern displays, live music will also be available in the gardens and Pavilion café at key times throughout the festival, along with warming food and hot drinks from the café.
The Eastbourne Jubilee Lantern Festival runs from 14 – 20 February at the Pavilion Gardens, Royal Parade, from 1pm to 8pm each day with free entry.
For more information visit VisitEastbourne.com/lantern-festival