Firework Finale Brings Record Breaking Season to a Close

3 October 2018

The Eastbourne Bandstand is celebrating its most successful season ever with a 21% increase in audience numbers in 2018. Over 58,000 people have attended shows at the venue since the opening night back in April.

This season has seen the return of many favourite tribute artists including ABBA, Queen and The Beatles plus a host of new acts from Cliff Richard to Little Mix. The iconic seafront venue also saw an increase of 38% in attendee numbers at the popular Big Band and Swing Sound concerts which kept audiences swinging and swaying throughout the summer.

Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Tourism and Enterprise, Cllr Margaret Bannister said “The UK’s busiest bandstand really lived up to its name this year as we’ve broken all records in terms of attendance and income. The bandstand remains a great seafront institution loved by locals and visitors alike.

“It was encouraging to see that some of the biggest shows this year came from acts that were making their debut on the bandstand stage. This is a great indication as to how much it is seen as a ‘must-do’ venue for both touring tribute artists and local classical bands. The firework finale on Sunday 13 October will certainly be a fitting close to what has been a fantastic season.”

The season comes to a close with two star studded tribute performances to Bon Jovi and Jersey Boys on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 October.

Audiences will be ‘Living on a Prayer’ on Friday 12 October when Bon Giovi bring the arena rock sounds of New Jersey’s finest to Eastbourne. Covering every aspect of Bon Jovi’s extensive career, Bon Giovi perform all the greatest hits such as ‘It’s My Life’, ‘Keep the Faith’, ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’, in one amazing stage show which includes all these hits and more.

The season concludes on Saturday 13 October with a toe-tapping musical journey through the well-known career of one of the most successful bands of all time, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. The Ragdolls will recreate the iconic sound of the Jersey Boys ending with a fabulous firework finale certain to bring the house down!

Music lovers will enjoy all the group’s hits including, ‘Sherry’, ‘Walk Like a Man’ and ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’. Plus wannabe ‘Teenagers in Love’ will definitely be singing ‘Oh What a Night’ as the boys recreate cover versions of 50's classics such as ‘Still of the Night’, ‘Oh! Carol’, and ‘Why Do Fools Fall in Love’.

Tickets for both shows cost £7.95 in advance (child £5.95) and doors open at 7pm for an 8pm performance. Friends of Eastbourne Bandstand card holders receive 10% off their ticket.

Tickets for the 2019 season will go on sale from 1 December and alongside many musical favourites who will be returning, a host of new performers will also be making their debut at the venue. New performances will include tribute shows to the Human League, Dire Straits, Kate Bush and the Foo Fighters with many more acts still to be announced.

For more information or to book visit EastbourneBandstand.co.uk, the Seafront Office, Tourist Information Centre or telephone 01323 410611.