Ratton School’s ‘Irish Night’ makes history at Eastbourne Bandstand this summer

Ratton School, part of the South Downs Learning Trust (SDLT), is celebrating the overwhelming success of its annual Irish Night after hundreds of people gathered at Eastbourne Bandstand for a spectacular evening of Irish music, dance and culture.

In what proved to be a landmark occasion for both the town and Eastbourne’s Irish community, the event marked the first Irish Night ever hosted at the iconic seafront venue. Adding to the significance of the occasion, the Irish Tricolour flew proudly from the Bandstand flagpole for the first time in the venue’s history, creating a memorable backdrop to an evening that celebrated culture, community and connection.

The audience enjoyed a vibrant programme of traditional Irish entertainment, featuring performances from Ratton School’s acclaimed Irish dance troupe, Rinceoirí Ratton, alongside the award-winning close harmony choir, The Minor Details, the talented Motcombe School Choir and local Irish musicians, Ceol Na Mara. The evening culminated in a lively community céilí, with audience members of all ages joining together to dance beneath the summer sky.

Irish Night has been a cherished part of Ratton School’s Performing Arts calendar since 2010. What began as a school-based event has evolved into one of Eastbourne’s most anticipated cultural celebrations, previously filling both the Winter Gardens and the Royal Hippodrome Theatre. This year’s move to the Bandstand was not about increasing capacity but about bringing Irish Night into the heart of the community and making this unique celebration accessible to even more local residents and visitors.

The event also showcased the exceptional enrichment opportunities available to young people at Ratton School. As part of the South Downs Learning Trust, Ratton is committed to providing experiences that extend far beyond the classroom, enabling students to develop confidence, leadership skills, creativity and a sense of belonging through participation in high-quality arts, sporting and community programmes.

A unique aspect of Ratton’s Irish Night is the school's long-standing commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Since 2010, students have been able to attend free weekly Irish dance sessions, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent young people from participating in and experiencing a rich cultural tradition. Over the years, hundreds of students have benefitted from this opportunity, many performing on major stages across Eastbourne and beyond.

Mrs Vikki Potten, Curriculum Lead of Drama at Ratton, and organiser of Irish Night, said: "Standing on the Bandstand stage as the sun set and looking out at such an incredible crowd was a truly special moment. Irish Night has grown enormously over the past 16 years, and I couldn't be prouder of our Rinceoirí Ratton dancers and every student who took part. The atmosphere was extraordinary. The traditional music, beautiful ballads, outstanding dancing and community céilí beneath the Irish Tricolour made it feel as though Eastbourne had been transported to the Emerald Isle for the evening. It was a night I will never forget."

The success of the event reflects SDLT’s and Ratton School’s wider commitment to developing the whole child through meaningful enrichment experiences. Across the South Downs Learning Trust, students are encouraged to explore their talents, embrace new opportunities and engage with their community, helping them to flourish both academically and personally.

The school would like to thank Eastbourne Borough Council, the Eastbourne Bandstand team, Ceol Na Mara, The Minor Details (led by Ratton’s own, Mr Kearsey, teacher of music), Motcombe School Choir, staff volunteers, families and the hundreds of audience members whose enthusiasm contributed to such a memorable and joyful occasion.

Following the overwhelming success of this year’s event, organisers hope that Irish Night at the Bandstand can become a regular fixture within Eastbourne’s cultural calendar, continuing to celebrate music, heritage, inclusivity and community spirit for many years to come.

For more information about Ratton School, its Performing Arts provision and the opportunities available to students, please visit their website here: www.ratton.co.uk.

The success of Irish Night reflects the breadth of opportunities available to students at Ratton School, part of the South Downs Learning Trust, where enrichment, creativity and community engagement sit alongside academic excellence at the heart of school life. Families considering secondary school options for September 2027 are invited to see this for themselves during Ratton’s forthcoming Open Events. The school’s annual Open Evening will take place on Thursday 17th September from 4.45pm, offering prospective students and their families the opportunity to explore the school, meet staff and students, and discover the many experiences that help make Ratton such a unique and inspiring place to learn, grow and succeed. Further information is available via the school website

To learn more about the South Downs Learning Trust and its commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities and enrichment experiences for young people across Eastbourne, as well as partnership information, please visit the trust website : www.sdlt.org.uk.