29 April–5 May 2026
There’s a lot to choose from this Bank Holiday weekend — from classic cars on the seafront and dawn birdsong to miniature trains, immersive art and a village art show. With the Bandstand reopening this weekend too, the seafront should have a little extra life about it. Here are a few things worth a look.
Magnificent Motors
Classic cars, motorcycles and vintage vehicles line the Western Lawns and Wish Tower Slopes with displays, club stands and plenty to explore. Even if engines aren’t strictly your thing, it’s an easy one to dip into for the seafront buzz and a bit of nostalgia.
Sat 2 & Sun 3 May, 10.30am–4.30pm
Free — just turn up
Latest update →
For the early birds
RSPB Eastbourne are running a dawn chorus walk in Hellingly this Saturday — with a proper early 6am start.
It’s a chance to hear the morning birdsong as the day gets going, with chiffchaffs and other birds already in full song — and maybe spot a little wildlife along the way.
Bring sensible shoes — and probably coffee.
Meet: Hellingly Community Hub, The Drive, Hellingly BN27 4EP
Sat 2 May, 6am
Open to all — free, with a £2 donation appreciated
Full Programme →
A May Day fun day at Chalk Farm
A community fun day with music, games and family-friendly bits including a bouncy castle, plus a few other things besides. Free entry and a nice one for families if you fancy something a little more low-key.
The plant nursery next door is worth a look too — one of those tucked-away places people tend to be glad they found.
Chalk Farm Hotel, Willingdon
Sun 3 May, from 12pm
Free — just turn up
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Miniature trains running in Polegate
Easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there: Polegate Oaks Miniature Railway opens for its first open day of the year this Sunday. Ride-on steam and diesel miniature trains will be running, operated by local enthusiasts; rides are by donation.
The kind of thing children tend to love — though it has plenty of charm for grown-ups too.
William Daly Recreation Ground, Brightling Road
Sun 3 May, 1–4pm
Donations to ride
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Voices Unbound at The Labyrinth
Less white-wall exhibition, more immersive art night — with visual art, live music and performance sharing the same space. Built around independent and underrepresented voices, it looks like one to dip in and discover as the evening unfolds. One for anyone drawn to the slightly offbeat.
Sat 2 May, from 5.30pm
Free (ticketed — booking recommended via Eventbrite →)
East Dean Art Show
A long-running village art show with original paintings, cards, refreshments, homemade cakes, raffle, tombola and a children’s art table. Works are by members of East Dean & Friston Art Group, with proceeds from the raffle and tombola supporting St Wilfrid’s Hospice.
One for a gentle Bank Holiday wander — especially if local art, cake and a nosy around East Dean sounds appealing.
East Dean Village Hall
Sat 2 May, 2–5pm
Sun 3 & Bank Holiday Mon 4 May, 10am–4pm
Free — just turn up
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That’s this week — a few places to start if you fancy getting out and about.
If you know a friend, neighbour or local group who might enjoy this, feel free to pass it on.
Until next time,
From Eastbourne