So … you are still undecided about your summer break away this year! Well, whilst updating the 'What's On' section of our website it dawned on us just how much is actually happening on our doorstep this summer! So much just a hop, skip and a jump away. To prove this theory, we have highlighted some of our favourite events for you.... 'Oh I do like to be beside the Seaside'
Eastbourne Bandstand, built in the 1880's stakes claim to being 'England's Busiest Bandstand' and looking at their list of events for 2015 they could be right! Friday nights are now known in Eastbourne as 'Tribute Nights' between 1st May to 25th September. Singing and dancing is the order of the evening.. Anything from MeatLoaf to Madonna, with much in between! Classical concerts, Brass Bands and even a weekly dose of the 1812 Overture complete with firework display... You can hear it from here! Click here for full listing
Still in May, we know not quite summer holidays, but as Eastbourne is known as the 'Sunshine Coast' and boasts more sun hours than most we like to get things started early! The Western Lawns, directly opposite us turns into a massive Beer and Cider by the Sea Festival for 2 days - 22nd - 24th May. Over 100 Ales, Ciders and Perries, many local, can be sampled together with local produce and the obligatory 'Festival Stage' for entertainment. Click here to see more about the Beer!
13th and 14th June sees the Western Lawns transformed once more! This time into a pop up Cycling Festival. Partnered with Velopace, cyclists young and old(er)! can take part in an array of activities from road racing on closed road circuits to Penny Farthing racing!... oh the list is almost endless. This really is an exciting sight and definately gets you in the mood to don your bicycle clips and go!.... Click here to be inspired
Just as we are hanging up our cycling shorts the tennis players head into town. 20th - 27th June sees the Pre Wimbledon warm up competition staged. This International tournament (now sponsored by Aegon) has been running uninterupted since 1975. Before that the Grass Courts of Devonshire Park where regularly used for practise by the great Fred Perry you know! Players over the years have loved the relaxed seaside setting of this event and here at the Grand we looked after many for the week - these included the likes of Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, Monica Seles and more recently Kim Clijsters... Oh those Player Parties.... don't get us started! We are so lucky to have the Devonshire Park so close to use, it is literally two minutes walk from your hotel bedroom! Click here for more tennis news
Hope you are not too out of breath just reading this!.... Good, because between 18th - 19th July we go EXTREME.... That's Eastbourne Extreme of course. The South Coasts coolest, fastest and most intense of free sports... and all here in Eastbourne. A packed 2 days of outdoor pursuits on land, sea and air! From Urban Shadows to the Relentless Bike tour.... Adrenalin or what! Click here for your Go Faster information
Right, so now we move into the height of the summer and August. Perhaps you might be expecting Eastbourne to sit back and let the tourists come to the beach! Sorry no! 13th - 16th August and whoopie!... It's Airbourne time. As you probably already know this is actually the 'World's Biggest Free Seafront Airshow'. Four Jam-packed days of flying displays (clip board and anorak at the ready!) The RAF plus International display teams show their skills across the stunning eight miles of Eastbourne seafront and Beachy Head. We of course boast 'Pole Position' for all the displays.. no need to leave your sea view bedroom or outdoor pool sun lounger if you don't want to. The Red Arrows even use our turret as a landmark... You can almost see the whites of their eyes as they zoom past. All this and the most stunning Firework display to close proceeding on the Sunday evening.... Just brilliant. Click here for more Airbourne news
Hopefully with all these events going on you can still fit in a trip to the theatre. We have 3 in Eastbourne, two of which are just around the corner from us. Both the Congress and Devonshire Park theatre have secured a place on the Provincial Tour of many a West End production. This summer is no exception with The Mouse Trap 60th Anniversary, The Sound of Music and Annie the Musical to name but 3. The list is quite a read, so if you like Musicals, Comedy or Thrillers they are all here. Daria o'Brian, Michael McIntyre and Miranda all use Eastbourne as a pre National tour warm up you know.... Just saying! Click here for full Theatre listings
If a bit of Art is what you like, then you simply cannot come to Eastbourne without a trip to the award winning International Towner Gallery. It is an absolute Gem in the town. Throughout the year internationally acclaimed artists come to town to show their work. An amazing list of exhibitions together with the permenant Ravilious Rooms. Click here for more Art on the Wall information
The Children..... We cannot forget the Children! Drusillas is the place to go, widely regarded as the best small Zoo in the country and were family involvement is their catch phrase. 'Never work with Animals or Children' doesn't wash here with their main focus being an animal and children friendly environment. So get nose to nose with nature just 20 minutes drive and if that's not enough, if you stay with us the children recieve a half price entrance ticket in their Junior Crew goodie bag. Click here for more Zoo news
And breathe!...... So we think it is fair to say that coming to the Grand this summer is not just about staying in the hotel...although of course you are most welcome. Some just don't like to leave the outdoor pool, treatment rooms or indeed the putting green! But we understand some do.... And if you do, then there is plenty to see and do without going too far..... Did we mention the beach opposite?... oh we could go on and on and on and......
To see everything Eastbourne just Click to VisitEastbourne
Happy Holidays!