Published 22 April 2026
A few things happening in and around town this week — including a film festival getting underway, something for the kids at the library, and a chance to step inside one of Eastbourne’s tucked-away spots.
A film festival gets underway
The Eastbourne International Film Festival starts this week — with a couple of early ways to get involved:
Pre-launch night at the Belgian Café
An opening night with live music, a short film programme, and a first look at some of the films and people behind this year’s festival.
£3 entry (tickets via Eventbrite)
Fri 24 April, 7pm
Event details →
A weekend film challenge
A tight creative push across the weekend. You’ll get the brief on Friday night, then have until Sunday to shoot and edit a short film (max 5 minutes).
Open to anyone — from first-timers with an idea to people already making things who fancy a challenge.
The top 20 will be screened at Hailsham Pavilion in May, with the winner progressing to the Made in Sussex Film Festival 2027.
24–26 April, £20 entry
Event details →
A puppet show at the Eastbourne Library
A puppet-led show packed with humour and larger-than-life characters, with a nod to animal conservation.
Aimed at ages 5–11 — a good one for a Saturday morning.
Free — just turn up.
Sat 25 April, 11am
______________
Inside the Hermitage (Gildredge Park)
A small octagonal Georgian folly tucked away in a quieter corner of the park — easy to miss, and not usually open to the public.
Open this Saturday afternoon, with a chance to step inside, look around, and see old photos of the gardens and surrounding area over the years.
It opens on the last Saturday of the month from March to October.
There’s usually tea and cake, sometimes a few plants for sale — all raising funds for the park.
Sat 25 April, from 2pm
Free — just turn up
______________
A chance to step on stage
Grove Theatre is casting for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
Open to all backgrounds and experience levels, with rehearsals starting in May and performances in August.
You’ll need to register your interest in advance (via email) before auditioning — they’ll then share available roles and next steps.
There’s also the option to audition via Zoom if you can’t make it in person.
Sat 25 April, 1pm — Grove Theatre, Eastbourne Library
grovetheatreeastbourne@gmail.com
The BIG Futures Show
A large careers and training event bringing employers, colleges and training providers together under one roof.
Expect 70+ exhibitors, with opportunities to explore apprenticeships, job roles and different career paths — plus a dedicated area for job seekers with live vacancies and advice.
One to go to with a purpose — whether that’s helping a teenager weigh up options or quietly exploring a change yourself.
Tues 28 April, 9.30am–3pm
Eastbourne Sports Park
£3 entry / free for job seekers
Event details →
That’s this week — a few things to have on your radar.
Until next time,
From Eastbourne