Bexhill’s open-air art gallery is set to open with light installations and live music.

Spokesman Lee Parkin said: “Footbridge Gallery 3.0, the popular open-air art showcase on Bexhill railway station footbridge, officially opens on Saturday, February 21 with a celebration marking 100 years of the Bexhill Chamber of Commerce, supported by the Bexhill Chamber of Commerce Centenary Fund.

“The launch begins at 2.15pm at De La Warr Pavilion, where artists, funders, supporters and partners will gather before walking together to Devonshire Square at 3.30pm for the official opening. Live music will be provided by guitarist Tony Coxon

“18 Hours, the local events company behind Bexhill After Dark, the town’s acclaimed annual light festival, has partnered with the Footbridge Gallery team to help shape the opening event. Visitors arriving at Devonshire Square will encounter two immersive light installations: The Shared Lantern, a newly commissioned work by local artist Leigh Dyer, and The Ribbon Gallery, a vibrant installation created from recycled bottles. Responding to movement and light, the works reflect the imagination and energy found throughout Footbridge Gallery.

“The installations are supported by Rother District Council, with The Shared Lantern funded through the UK Government Fund and The Ribbon Gallery supported by the Levelling Up Fund.

“Founded in 2019 by local residents Tim and Diana Birch, Footbridge Gallery transformed Bexhill railway station footbridge into a vibrant open-air gallery, turning an everyday journey into a shared cultural experience.What began as a small local idea has grown into a permanent public artwork, proudly rooted in Bexhill-on-Sea.

“First launched in March 2021, during Covid, the gallery offered a vital creative outlet at a time when connection mattered more than ever. Since then, it has continued to welcome artists of all ages and backgrounds from across Rother and Hastings, showcasing work in photography, painting, textiles, sculpture, sound and more.

“This special 2026 edition marks a centenary milestone. Funded by the UK Government through a Levelling Up Partnership Projects grant awarded to the Bexhill Chamber of Commerce, and administered by Rother District Council via eDeal, the project celebrates the Chamber’s commitment to supporting local creativity and community life.

“More than 220 artworks were submitted in this, our third competition. Selected through a combination of public voting and an invited panel of judges, the works reflect the imagination, diversity and creative energy of the people who live and work in this area.”

Diana Birch, co-founder of Footbridge Gallery, said: “We are honoured to bring the gallery back for a third year and to continue providing a creative platform for artists from all walks of life. This year’s opening is particularly special as we celebrate the Bexhill Chamber of Commerce at 100, and we look forward to a light-filled moment to mark the occasion.

With heartfelt thanks to all artists, supporters, sponsors and partners who help keep art visible, accessible and woven into everyday life in Bexhill-on-Sea.”