To achieve these aims, Eastbourne Festival is appealing for support in a variety of ways.

Organisations are invited to submit proposals of events for inclusion in the Festival brochure in keeping with one or more of the following criteria:

q Celebrating Eastbourne – its unique identity and history, its often overlooked and undervalued qualities, its built and natural environment, seafront and beach utilising non-traditional or outdoor venues.

q Supporting and/or highlighting the work of professional practitioners living and working in Eastbourne.

q Challenging the mainstream.

q Doing something different, pushing boundaries, broadening horizons – building new partnerships and collaborations.

Events organisers should submit their proposal forms to the Festival administrator with provisional dates and times as soon as possible. Proposals must be confirmed and payment of £25 registration fees must be submitted by the deadline of January 16.

Event proposal and registration forms are available online at http://www.eastbournefestival.co.uk/7.html

Eastbourne Association of Voluntary Services has agreed to run a funding workshop if there is sufficient demand. The cost of attending the workshop would be approximately £20 per person.

If anyone is interested in attending such a workshop send an e-mail to info@eastbournefestival.co.uk

The festival organisers are now seeking sponsors for the 2009 Eastbourne Festival and invite companies and local businessmen and women to discuss sponsorship.

There are a number of packages which provide fantastic opportunities to be closely associated with the Eastbourne Festival, and offer companies the chance to show their support in a visible manner.

Organisers will also be happy to discuss customised packages to suit individual needs.

Call Julian Sutherland-Beatson to discuss this on 643727.

The organisers will also be needing volunteers to carry out tasks, from admin to promotion to delivering brochures. If you would like to volunteer to help in any way, please call Judith Alder to talk about the possibilities on 07713 287 365. (judith@eastbournefestival.co.uk)