The key dates for a busy year of fun and community in Eastbourne

Spokeswoman Tracey Drake said: “The busy calendar also sees the return of Eastbourne International Airshow, the Rothesay International Eastbourne tennis, beer festivals, Soapbox racing and the Sunshine Carnival.

“The Big Wheel returns to the Western Lawns in April through to early September, and the popular Seafront Market – opposite the Carpet Gardens – is back from April 7-10 and again April 28-May 1. From freshly baked breads and paella to handbags and garden furniture, the regular markets have something for everyone as the seafront is turned into a bustling market with traders from across the UK and beyond. Further markets will take place on the promenade in May, June, July, and August.

“Magnificent Motors, the free motoring spectacular, returns to the Western Lawns on April 29-30 over the Bank Holiday weekend and is followed by the Spring Water Festival from May 13-21. Eastbourne Sunshine Carnival celebrates this year’s theme of Sussex by the Sea on Saturday, May 27 and the Race for Life returns on Sunday, May 28.

“Festival fans will be delighted to hear the popular Beer and Cider by the Sea festival is again taking place on the Western Lawns from May 19-21, celebrating more than 100 fine ales, craft beer and cask ciders. May’s line-up also includes John Searle’s Fun Fair at Princes Park from May 25-June 4 and the UK Ultra 50km/100km on Saturday and Sunday, May 27 and 28.

“The annual 999 Emergency Services Display is on Saturday, June 3 and Sunday, June 4 when visitors can have a close look at emergency response vehicles, get on board a fire engine or ambulance, try out the hoses, see Police dog arena demonstrations and a sea rescue from the Coastguard during the two-day free celebration of the Blue Light services. The MacMillan Mighty Hike and Eastbourne Triathlon are taking place over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, June 10 and 11, with the Triathlon acting as a GB Team Qualifier event. The Eastbourne 10k provides a shorter distance race on Sunday, June 25.

“The highlight of June is of course the Rothesay International Eastbourne at the award-winning grass courts of Devonshire Park. Taking place from June 24-July 1, some of the world’s biggest names in tennis will grace the courts with top players from the WTA and ATP women’s and men’s tours competing for the title. The fun continues in June with John Davis’ Fun Fair in Princes Park from June 25-July 9.

“Outdoor Shakespeare returns to the Italian Gardens at Holywell with EODS’ A Winter’s Tale from July 27-August 6 followed by the Rude Mechanical Theatre from August 9-13 in Helen Garden with their performance of Miss Popplewell’s Garden. The Circus brings amazing high-wire trapeze acts and more to Princes Park from August 10-13, and it’s all eyes to the skies as the award-winning free airshow Airbourne returns from August 17-20 for its 29th year of aerobatic feats. September’s events include the return of the Eastbourne Walking Festival from September 15-24, a ten-day long celebration of guided and self-guided walks for walkers of all abilities to reconnect with the great outdoors, while the Tempo 10k brings runners to the promenade on Sunday, September 24. Also on September 24, the Eastbourne Soapbox Race is back with more wacky races mayhem, as elaborate soapbox creations hurtle downhill dodging haybales, jumping ramps and more.”