Royal Line Up for 5th Victorian Festival

11th September 2008

The south coast is looking forward to a very special performance later this month as the world famous King Singers are set to perform at Eastbourne Victorian Festival's 5th birthday celebrations.

The a cappella vocal ensemble are world renowned and the six male vocalists, fresh from marking their 40th anniversary at a concert in London earlier this year, will visit Eastbourne for the first time as part of the Victorian week festivities. Celebrating its 5th year from 27 September - 5 October, the Victorian Festival has lined up a bumper programme of events to commemorate the town's heritage and entertain every generation.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said

"The programme for this year's Victorian Festival is really looking jam-packed with plenty going on around the town. From global musical talent to ghost tours, theatre and experts Hilary Kay and Paul Atterbury from the Antiques Roadshow are also attending, the Victorian Festival promises a week full of activities that will keep the whole family busy and bring the community together to celebrate our Victorian roots."

There'll be plenty more musical talent to enjoy as clarinettist Emma Johnson, MBE, graces the Eastbourne Victorian Festival with her presence, alongside her accompanist John Lenehan. The pair will entertain audiences at Eastbourne's St Saviour and St Peter's Church with 19th century music including Widor and Brahms.

And to round the week off, there's even more entertainment at the town's oldest theatre that stands at more than 100 years old, the Royal Hippodrome. Audiences are being encouraged to dress up in their best bibs and tuxedos to enjoy this year's Music Hall under the direction of Sir David Buck.

Plus there's lots more happening around the town throughout the week. Telly fans can look forward to finding out the secrets behind the show as Paul Atterbury of Antiques Roadshow fame will be on hand to regale festival visitors with secrets of the programme and how to spot a valuable antique.

The Redoubt Fortress will come over ‘most haunted' for a one-off ghost hunt as visitors are invited into the former fortress and gaol to explore the darkened tunnels. The spirits of its past are said to still linger and visitors will be guided around the moonlit Redoubt Fortress, with refreshments provided to distract visitors from their shivers and chills.

Plus Her Majesty Queen Victoria will make the trip to Eastbourne to grace the festival with her imperial presence. Southern Rail has invited Her Majesty to make the journey from London's Victoria Station to Eastbourne, accompanied by her ladies-in-waiting and lone piper.

The Victorian Festival takes place from 27 September - 5 October this year and activities will be going on around the town. A full breakdown of exactly what's happening and when can be found on www.eastbournevictorianfestival.co.uk or telephone 01323 721825.

For further information on the Victorian Festival and other events coming up in Eastbourne telephone event organiser, Owen Boydell on 01323 721825 or the Tourist Information Centre on 0871 663 0031 or visit www.eastbournevictorianfestival.co.uk .