Eastbourne

In June 2013, the Eastbourne Hospitality Association celebrated its milestone anniversary. The association, important for coordinating the town's hospitality sector, plays a crucial role in promoting Eastbourne as a premier tourist destination. The anniversary event highlighted significant achievements in improving local tourism infrastructure, providing excellent service, and fostering partnerships between businesses. The celebration underscored the vital contribution of the hospitality sector to Eastbourne's economy and the community's development, attracting notable figures from the industry.

On July 30, 2014, Eastbourne Pier suffered a catastrophic fire that destroyed a significant portion of the structure. This Victorian-era pier, a major attraction in Eastbourne, took a severe hit with the blaze engulfing its distinctive dome. The fire prompted an overwhelming response from emergency services who battled to save the historic site. The community and local authorities rallied to restore the pier, prioritizing its historical integrity and future viability, leading to a successful restoration that culminated in the pier's reopening with renewed features and safety enhancements.

The Towner Art Gallery, a renowned contemporary art institution in Eastbourne, celebrated the opening of its new extension in 2015. The expansion provided additional exhibition space and state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring the gallery could host more ambitious installations and international exhibitions. This development was part of a broader initiative to enhance cultural offerings in Eastbourne, thereby attracting more tourists and enriching the local community's cultural life.

The Eastbourne International, an important event on the tennis calendar, returned in 2016 after extensive refurbishment of its facilities. This prestigious grass-court tournament, part of the WTA Tour and ATP Tour, attracts top players from around the world. The improvements to the grounds and infrastructure were part of efforts to enhance player and spectator experience and to affirm the tournament's status as a premier sporting event. The 2016 tournament marked a successful continuation of Eastbourne's international sporting legacy.

The Eastbourne Bandstand, a historic venue built in 1935, saw a revival in its concert schedule in 2017 after a period of underuse. Known for its distinctive blue domed architecture, the bandstand is a popular cultural hub for music lovers. The revival included a range of performances from classical concerts to contemporary music, attracting diverse audiences. The band's return was part of a broader initiative to boost cultural tourism in Eastbourne, emphasizing the town's rich musical heritage.

Eastbourne Pride was inaugurated in 2018, marking the first-ever such event in the town. This new addition to Eastbourne's social calendar celebrated diversity and inclusion, drawing crowds from across the region. The event featured a parade, live music, dances, and speeches supporting LGBTQ+ rights and equality. Eastbourne Pride has since become an annual event, growing in attendance each year and highlighting the town's commitment to inclusivity and community spirit.

During World War II, Eastbourne was one of the towns heavily bombed due to its coastal location and strategic significance. The town's emblematic role in the war effort is remembered through various commemorations and historical documentaries. In 2020, Eastbourne held a special event to commemorate the town's resilience and the efforts of the local community during the wartime period. The commemoration featured exhibits, veteran stories, and historical reenactments, paying homage to the sacrifices and courage of those who lived through the war.

The Belle Tout Lighthouse, an iconic Eastbourne landmark originally constructed in 1832, faced a unique challenge due to coastal erosion threatening its stability. To preserve this historic site, a relocation project was undertaken to move the lighthouse further inland from the edge of the cliff. This complex engineering feat involved carefully shifting the entire structure, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The relocation was completed successfully in 2021, showcasing the town's dedication to maintaining its historical sites amidst changing environmental conditions.

Eastbourne Pier, an iconic landmark built in 1870, unfortunately suffered a devastating fire in 2014, which significantly damaged its central section. The tragic event led to a major restoration project focused on rebuilding and preserving this historic structure. The fire anniversary in 2022 marked an eight-year commemoration of the event, with local initiatives and reflections on the importance of preserving such cultural heritage. Over the years, the pier has been restored and continues to be a focal point for tourists and locals alike.

The Eastbourne Airshow, known as Airbourne, is an annual event that takes place over four days in August. It features a stunning display of both modern and historic aircraft, and it is one of the biggest free airshows in the world. Thousands of spectators line the Eastbourne seafront to watch aerial displays by the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows, historic Spitfires, and more. In 2023, the event concluded successfully with an impressive lineup that thrilled audiences and highlighted the town's commitment to hosting significant cultural events.