Lights, Camera, Action! Eastbourne Carnival rolls out the red carpet

Themed 'Lights, Camera, Action', the procession featured over 60 groups and followed last year's successful 'Celebrations of the World' parade.

The day started in Victoria Place at 11:00am where the Mayor of Eastbourne, Councillor Margaret Bannister, officially launched the day. The procession set off from Fisherman's Green at 2:00pm and paraded along the seafront to the Wish Tower Slopes, followed by a street party in Victoria Place from 4:30pm.

Mina O'Brien, Chair of Eastbourne Carnival CIC, said: "Eastbourne Carnival 2026 was a great day of performance, costume, floats and the community coming together. Huge thanks to everyone who took part, volunteered, and to our visitors from Dortmund, Birmingham, London and Brighton.

"We are delighted and thankful to have had the support this year from Lightning Fibre for our creative workshops, and Arts Council England. We are also thankful to all of our sponsors and to everyone who has contributed to the event. And, last but not least, our carnival committee. Carnival is the product of everyone's efforts, and this year it was amazing."

Emma Pearce, head of marketing at Lightning Fibre, added: "So wonderful to see the carnival delivering so much joy across our local community on such a super sunny day. Huge congratulations to Mina and her team. Lightning Fibre is delighted to have sponsored a series of 15 free creative workshops for carnival entrants and local people since the start of the year."

A contingent from the Dortmunder Karneval once again participated in the extravaganza, alongside various groups representing Latin America. The organisers were also thrilled to welcome back last year's Best Non-Sussex Entrant winners, 'Bhangra Smash Up', as well as the Metronomes Steel Pan Orchestra from the Notting Hill Carnival.

The public can now vote for their favorite carnival entry, with voting open until May 31. The winners will be announced on June 2. You can find out more on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/eastbournecarnival

This year, two additional categories will be available for voting: Best Community Entrant and Best School Entry.

Eastbourne Carnival CIC is a community interest company, managed by directors and a volunteer committee. Most committee members have been involved with the carnival since it resumed in 2011 after a 20-year hiatus. You can visit their website at https://www.eastbournecarnival.com/