For a town of its size, Eastbourne packs in a remarkable calendar of events — from the roar of the Airbourne airshow and world-class tennis at Devonshire Park to beer festivals, classic cars, marathons and a sparkling Christmas season. Here’s your guide to what’s on in Eastbourne through the year, season by season.
Spring
The events season bursts into life in spring. The early May bank holiday usually brings Magnificent Motors, the biggest free motoring spectacular on the South Coast, with over 600 vintage and classic cars, motorbikes, buses, steam engines and military vehicles lined up along the seafront. May also sees Beer & Cider by the Sea, one of the south coast’s largest food and drink festivals, take over the Western Lawns for a long weekend. It’s also the start of the lifeguard season on the beach, and a popular time for the town’s walking festivals as the Downs come alive.
Summer
Summer is Eastbourne’s busiest and brightest season. In late June, the international tennis comes to Devonshire Park — a pre-Wimbledon grass-court tournament (currently the Lexus Eastbourne Open) featuring top men and women from the WTA and ATP tours, on some of the finest grass courts in the world. Through the summer the historic bandstand hosts a packed programme of concerts — from 1940s nights and tribute acts to classical evenings and firework spectaculars — while seafront markets and family events keep the promenade buzzing.
Airbourne: the Eastbourne airshow
The jewel in the summer calendar is Airbourne, the Eastbourne International Airshow — one of the UK’s biggest free seafront airshows, held over four days (Thursday to Sunday) each August. First staged in 1993, it draws hundreds of thousands of spectators to the seafront to watch fast jets, historic warbirds, helicopters and aerobatic teams — usually including the famous Red Arrows — perform along a two-mile display line, with an evening beach stage and a fireworks finale. Best of all, it’s completely free to watch.
Local tip: the flying display is centred on the Western Lawns near the Wish Tower, but you can watch from all along the seafront — and the cliffs at Beachy Head offer a spectacular elevated view. Book accommodation well in advance, as the town fills up fast.
Autumn
As the crowds thin, autumn brings one of the town’s great sporting occasions: the Beachy Head Marathon in late October, one of the biggest off-road marathons in the UK, run across the dramatic cliffs and Downs, with a half marathon and 10k alongside it. Autumn also brings a beer festival, atmospheric twilight events out at Beachy Head, and the last golden walks of the year over the South Downs before winter sets in.
Winter and Christmas
Eastbourne does Christmas with real warmth. The festive season kicks off with the Christmas lights switch-on and a free music and light show in the Devonshire Quarter, with markets and seasonal events filling the town centre. A much-loved local tradition sees free concerts at the bandstand — including on Christmas Day itself — and the town now welcomes the New Year with a free New Year’s Day concert. Add pantomime season at the theatres and Remembrance services in November, and there’s plenty to brighten the darker months.
All year round
Beyond the big seasonal events, there’s always something on. The Towner gallery (free to enter) runs a changing programme of world-class art exhibitions, and the town’s theatres — including the Devonshire Park Theatre, the Congress, the Royal Hippodrome and the Underground Theatre — host West End shows, touring comedy and drama, music and more throughout the year. For ideas on filling the gaps between events, see our guide to the best things to do in Eastbourne.
What’s on in Eastbourne: FAQs
When is the Eastbourne Airshow?
Airbourne, the Eastbourne International Airshow, is held over four days (Thursday to Sunday) each August, usually a couple of weeks before the August bank holiday. Check the official airshow website for the current year’s exact dates.
Is the Eastbourne Airshow free?
Yes. Airbourne is one of the UK’s biggest free seafront airshows, free to watch from the promenade, though paid premium seating and hospitality options are available.
When is the tennis in Eastbourne?
The international pre-Wimbledon grass-court tournament is held at Devonshire Park in late June each year, serving as a warm-up to Wimbledon.
What events are on in Eastbourne?
Highlights through the year include Magnificent Motors and Beer & Cider by the Sea in spring, the tennis and Airbourne in summer, the Beachy Head Marathon in autumn, and a busy Christmas season — plus year-round theatre and exhibitions at the Towner.
Whatever time of year you visit, there’s likely to be something happening in Eastbourne. For the latest dates and this month’s full listings, check the official VisitEastbourne website — and start planning your trip around the events that catch your eye.