New film screening in Eastbourne highlights national emergency risks facing UK
The Sheldon B&B was the location of the first Eastbourne Screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing. Around 30 people attended the screening on 14th April 2026 which was followed by a community discussion, about sharing ideas about the issues raised in the film and what it may mean locally.
The screening formed part of a wider UK programme of events designed to help communities engage with the climate and nature crisis, and supported by naturalist Chris Packham, who has said that ”I’d encourage people everywhere to attend a screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing. This new film creates exactly the kind of honest local conversation we now urgently need, both about the threat from climate and nature breakdown, but also about what we can do, together with our politicians, to build a better future.”
Discussion afterwards focused particularly on making sure people are aware about the facts raised in the film with participants also exploring how local communities can continue the conversation and engage elected representatives.
Rachael Norris, who helped organise the event, said: “One of the strongest feelings in the room was relief — that issues many people have quietly worried about for a long time were finally being spoken about openly, clearly and together.”
Organisers say there was strong interest in continued local engagement, including discussion of how community support might be built around encouraging Josh Babarinde to back the Parliamentary Call for a televised emergency briefing on the climate and nature crisis. The film also outlined solutions that could and should be adopted in the future.
Local groups were invited to take part in the discussion including an exciting announcement from Eastbourne Eco Action Network who unveiled plans for a new community solar energy project in Langney. Eastbourne vegan society told us about plant-based eco-friendly diets and Bespoke Campaign Cycling group spoke about the health benefits of cycling in Eastbourne.
The next screening of ‘The People’s Emergency Briefing’ will be part of the Crossing the Screen Eastbourne Film Festival on 4th May at 8pm. Please bring along your friends and family to watch this powerful community film and discussion. Local councillors and other local groups are being invited to attend.