Hotels around Eastbourne
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About Eastbourne
Eastbourne is a seaside town on the East Sussex coast with a population of just over 100,000. Most of it was laid out in the 19th century as a planned resort: the 7th Duke of Devonshire hired the architect Henry Currey to design the town, and the pier opened in the 1870s. West of the town stands Beachy Head, the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain.
The town has had its own Pride only since the late 2010s. Its second edition, held in Princes Park at the eastern end of the seafront, drew more than 4,000 people. In those years the event was run by BourneOutLGBT, a local charity. The parade set off from the pier and followed the seafront to Princes Park, where the Pride Party took place with live music and entertainment. Entry to the park was by ticket, with free admission for children aged 16 and under.
Pride has since moved into the town centre. Under the name Pride Comes to Town it is now a free street party in the Little Chelsea district, spread across Grove Road and South Street. The main stage runs from midday until 7pm with local performers and LGBTQ+ artists. Market traders set up along the streets, some areas are aimed at families and others at adults. After the stage closes, the celebrations carry on in nearby venues.
The organiser today is Eastbourne Pride, a registered charity that runs several events through the year. It recruits volunteers, rents out stalls and takes applications from groups and businesses that want to join the parade with a walking group or a float. Dates and news go out through its newsletter, The Proud Post.
Eastbourne Pride – frequently asked questions
Nearby Prides
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