Eastbourne Performing Arts Festival – Eastbourne, England 2026

Overview

The Eastbourne Performing Arts Festival 2026 is a renowned competitive platform established in 1961, dedicated to fostering emerging talent in music, dance, speech, and drama for participants of all ages and skill levels. Affiliated with The British & International Federation of Festivals for Music, Dance and Speech, it attracts hundreds of performers annually, offering expert adjudication, constructive feedback, and prestigious awards in a nurturing environment that prioritizes artistic development over pure competition.

Operating as a registered charity (No. 278903) with over six decades of legacy, this festival cultivates community spirit in the charming coastal town of Eastbourne, drawing families, educators, students, and semi-professionals from across the UK and beyond. The 2026 edition will feature expanded categories, including solo and duet performances, choral and ensemble groups, and contemporary works, with a special emphasis on junior (under 18) and adult amateur categories. Expect vibrant daily sessions with live accompaniment, workshops on performance techniques, and public award ceremonies celebrating creativity and dedication.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances: Competitive classes across piano (classical, jazz, contemporary), singing (solo, choral, musical theatre), dance (ballet, tap, modern, street), speech (verse, prose, dramatic readings), and drama (monologues, duologues, improvisation), featuring over 250 performances daily with professional adjudication and video recordings for participants.
• Special Traditions or Features: Presentation of the Norah Sande Award for the Most Outstanding Performer across all disciplines, alongside 25+ specialized trophies such as the Dance Premier Award and Music Scholarship Bursaries (£100–£500); the Chairman’s Gala showcases top finalists with guest adjudicators from prestigious London arts academies.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors: Interactive public feedback sessions where adjudicators share performance tips; family-oriented workshops on stagecraft and confidence-building; a gallery of past winners’ photos and videos; tea breaks with views of Eastbourne’s iconic pier; and Q&A sessions with previous champions led by festival volunteers.
• About This Event: A non-profit, inclusive festival open to amateurs, students, and community groups, with a storied history of launching careers (many alumni now perform in West End productions); it emphasizes safeguarding, diversity, and encouragement in a supportive, adjudicated format ideal for honing skills and inspiring passion. See Official Site

Why Attend

The Eastbourne Performing Arts Festival 2026 offers an enriching experience to witness raw talent and artistic passion, from heartfelt piano recitals to electrifying dance routines, all set in Eastbourne’s picturesque seaside venues. It’s a perfect outing for families, teachers, and arts enthusiasts, with free spectator access allowing you to cheer on young performers while enjoying expert critiques that serve as mini-masterclasses in technique, expression, and stage presence.

The festival’s charitable mission and affiliation with the British Federation ensure top-tier adjudication and inclusivity, creating a safe space where performers transform nerves into confidence and aspirations into achievements. Beyond the competitions, you’ll enjoy networking with industry professionals, exploring Eastbourne’s Victorian charm, and supporting a 60+ year tradition that nurtures creativity, making it a rewarding cultural escape for all ages.

Date and Duration

• Dates: February 14 – February 21, 2026 (Dance: Feb 14-17; Music/Piano: Feb 18-19; Singing: Feb 20; Speech/Drama: Feb 21; full schedule TBD)
• Duration: 8 days

Venue and Location

• City: Eastbourne, England
• Main Venue: The Winter Garden, 14 Compton Street, Eastbourne, BN21 4BP, United Kingdom (Primary Dance & Drama Hub)
• Notable Areas: Emmanuel Church for intimate piano recitals with superior acoustics; Royal Hippodrome Theatre for grand vocal and choral showcases
• Additional Venues: Emmanuel Church, Upperton Road, Eastbourne, BN21 1LQ (Music: Piano Classes); Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Seaside Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3PF (Music: Singing & Choral)
• Exact Address: The Winter Garden, 14 Compton Street, Eastbourne, BN21 4BP

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold: Performer entries submitted via online portal or syllabus download (deadlines: January 15, 2026); spectators enter free with optional donations; Friends’ membership (£20/year) offers reserved seating; school group rates (£5/head, minimum 10) available through entry secretaries
• Admission Type: Free public access to all sessions; performer entry fees cover adjudication, certificates, and video links; donations support charity operations
• Ticket Pricing (USD): Entry fees range from $12 (solo) to $38 (ensemble) per class; awards entry adds $6–$12; Friends’ membership $25/year; no spectator fees
• Special Seating or VIP Options: Reserved front-row seating for Friends and volunteers; balcony access for Premier Awards attendees; school group blocks; optional live-stream access (£10 per session)
• Price Range: $12–$38 (per entry class); $25 annual Friends membership

Booking with Euro Travelo

Planning to enjoy this performing arts festival without the stress? Euro Travelo can assist with securing performer entries, arranging travel from London or beyond, and booking accommodations in Eastbourne’s charming seaside setting. Whether it’s managing festival logistics or planning a cultural getaway, our team ensures a seamless experience for arts lovers across Europe.

Contact Euro Travelo today to arrange your festival participation and travel plans.

Contact Information

• Email: info@eastbourneperformingartsfestival.co.uk (general inquiries and entries)
• Phone: +44 (0)1323 411777 (Festival Office, Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM)
• Website: https://eastbourneperformingartsfestival.co.uk
• Social Media: @eastbournefestival (Instagram, 2K+ followers); Eastbourne Performing Arts Festival (Facebook, 5K+ likes)
• Key Staff: Chairman: Beverley Potter; Vice Chairman/General Secretary: Diane Lindop; Music Secretary: Kath Clarke; Dance Secretary: Lianna Mans
• Press/Volunteers: press@eastbourneperformingartsfestival.co.uk (media inquiries); volunteers@eastbourneperformingartsfestival.co.uk (volunteer opportunities)
• Note: Response time 24–48 hours; English support available; office at 68 Bridgemere Road, Eastbourne, BN22 8TY; use online form for after-hours inquiries

Getting There

• Nearest Airports: London Gatwick (40 miles, 45-minute drive); London Heathrow (70 miles, 1.5-hour drive)
• Public Transport: Direct trains from London Victoria to Eastbourne Station (90 minutes, ~£25 return); 5-minute walk from station to Winter Garden; local buses #1/1A connect venues
• Parking: Winter Garden multi-story parking (£6/day, 200 spaces); Blue Badge spaces free; Hippodrome seafront parking (£4/day); limited Emmanuel Church parking
• Taxi: Eastbourne Cars (+44 1323 888888, ~£6–£12 from station to venues); Uber available in area
• Sat Nav: BN21 4BP (Winter Garden); walking route from station: 0.3 miles to Compton Street, ~2 minutes

Accommodation Options

• City Hotels: Grand Hotel Eastbourne (4-star, seafront, £95–£165/night, 300m to Winter Garden, includes spa access)
• Boutique Stays: Queens Hotel (Victorian elegance, £75–£135/night, views of Hippodrome); Airbnbs in town center (£55–£110/night, some with sea views)
• Hostels/B&Bs: Devonshire Park Hotel (cozy, £45–£85/night, family suites); Guesthouse on the Pier (£40–£75/night, budget-friendly, near beach)
• Camping: Pevensey Bay Caravan Park (5 miles, £25–£45/night, shuttle service available); Eastbourne Showground (3 miles, £20–£35/night, tent sites)
• Note: Book by January 1 for festival discounts; 80% of accommodations within 10-minute walk of venues; school packages include breakfast (£30–£50/person)

Reviews

• An incredible showcase—my daughter’s ballet solo won silver and she’s hooked for life!
• Warm, welcoming vibe with amazing variety; adjudicators’ notes were a game-changer for our choir.
• Loved the coastal setting and supportive crowd; felt like a big family cheering everyone on!