The popular illuminated festival was due to have taken place on January 31.
The disappointing decision comes after six months of planning by 18 Hours, a local social enterprise delivering arts and cultural events. The team had been working closely with artists, partners and local supporters to develop the event for January 2026.
The much-loved light arts festival had been expected to attract around 12,000 visitors, bringing a significant cultural and economic boost to Bexhill during the quieter winter period, said organisors .
As a not-for-profit organisation, 18 Hours relies on funding from national bodies such as Arts Council England, alongside support from local partners and supporters, to deliver free cultural events and creative programmes for local communities and schools.
Demand for this funding is extremely high, with many organisations competing for a limited amount of available support. Much of this funding comes from National Lottery income, meaning the number of projects supported depends on overall participation.
“We’re incredibly disappointed that we’re unable to deliver Bexhill After Dark in 2026,” said Dr Mandy Curtis, Director of 18 Hours. “A huge amount of time, care and creativity has already gone into planning the event.
"As a Bexhill-based organisation, this festival means a great deal to us, it began here in 2022 and has become something people look forward to each January, bringing light, colour and a welcome boost to the town at a quieter time of year. It’s deeply disappointing not to be able to deliver that for our community.
“The cancellation will also be felt by the artists involved, many of whom had already begun preparations, as well as by local partners and organisations who have contributed time, expertise and support to the development of the festival. 18 Hours would like to thank all involved in the project thus far for their continued encouragement and engagement.
“Despite this disappointment, 18 Hours continues to develop a range of exciting new projects in partnership with local councils, charities and organisations. Planning is already underway on initiatives that will support local communities, schools and young people across the region, ensuring that creativity, culture and connection remain at the heart of the organisation’s work.
"While Bexhill After Dark will not take place in 2026, 18 Hours remains committed to delivering meaningful cultural opportunities that benefit local towns and communities in the year ahead.”