About our festival

Eastbourne has award-winning theatres, a host of hospitality venues and a stunning beach - all a stone’s throw from the South Downs. Our festival builds on this and delivers so much more. We’re planning on being around well into the future, but 2026 is our first year and we’ll be keeping things small and beautiful so we can learn and grow.

• We’ll welcome established authors and celebrate emerging new writers.

• We’ll look after every one of speakers and creatives, so that they want to come back, year after year.

• We’ll make sure each event is well managed and attended.

• We’ll reach the widest possible audience, from pre-schoolers and their families to long-standing residents and visitors to our local community.

• We’ll establish the festival as a landmark cultural event on Eastbourne's calendar to drive interest and business into our beautiful town.