We've put together a list of our most frequently asked questions, but if you have a pressing question that isn't covered here or anywhere else on our website, please feel free to contact us and the team will get back in touch with you as soon as possible.
When is the 2020 Eastbourne Walking Festival?
This year's event takes place from Friday 18 - Sunday 27 September 2020
Is the Walking Festival going to take place this year despite Covid-19?
We have made the decision to continue the Walking Festival in September this year. Current government guidelines state that exercising is currently unlimited, and we see the Walking Festival as the first major event that will take place in Eastbourne this year. We want to treat it as a way to #reconnect with the great outdoors, see family and friends, and discover walking again after so long being self-isolated. We will work closely with walk leaders to ensure social distancing is at the forefront of planning and is practiced without exception during walks. We will also limit the capacity on each walk to ensure it is safe for everyone to participate whilst socially distancing from eachother. We will continue to monitor the situation daily, and if we are in a position where it is unsafe for us to allow the Walking Festival to take place, we will work hard to try and promote our walks as self-guided walks instead and release them on the website so that our participants can enjoy them on their own, at their own time.
Was this event previously known as the Eastbourne and Lewes Walking Festival?
Yes, this event started off as the Eastbourne & Wealden Walking Festival, then in 2016 became the Eastbourne and Lewes Walking Festival. For the first time this year it is now known as the Eastbourne Walking Festival. Limiting the activities that take place in this event to just Eastbourne allows us to focus our time and energy on bringing in the very best of walks, trails and fringe events to the town.
I'd like to find out more information on becoming a Walk Leader, how do I do that?
Our Walking Festival is nothing without the dedication of our volunteer walk leaders that offer up their time and experties to provide fantastic walks of discovery, education and entertainment. We are always looking for more walk leaders to allow us to continue to expand on our offering. If you have a great route that you'd love to share with others, and are confident in doing so, then head to our Walk Leaders page for more information.
Who organises the Walking Festival?
The Walking Festival is an Eastbourne Borough Council event and is funded and co-ordinated by the VisitEastbourne Tourism department. Our committee group is made up of representatives from Eastbourne Borough Council, Eastbourne Hospitality Association, the Eastbourne Walking Champion, South Downs National Park, 3VA, Eastbourne Eco Action Network, Bourne2Walk, and members of Eastbourne Rambling Associations. Together, our committee group make decisions with key milestones to work together to bring in a number of walk leaders, offer guidance on training and suitable walks, market and promote the event, and all other duties required to allow this event to take place.
When will walk submission entries close?
If you want to submit a walk to be included in the 2020 programme, we will need your submission by Sunday 7th June 2020.
I have an issue with my ticket, or I need to cancel my place on a walk, what should I do?
All of our tickets are processed through the online ticketing system, EventBrite. Please head to the EventBrite website and log in to your account to amend, reprint, or cancel your ticket(s).
Is there a maximum time, capacity, or distance for each walk?
Each walk that is submitted by walk leaders has an approximate duration time and distance. The capacity for each walk is also set by the walk leader and is usually between 10-20 participants.
Can I sign up for a walk on the day, or just turn up without a ticket?
No, if you want to participate in a walk, you MUST book a ticket online in advance. Ticketing for each walk will be disabled 24 hours prior to the commencement of the walk.
Can I bring my dog on the walk?
Most walks are dog friendly, this is dictated by the walk leader. Check on each walk individually to find out this information.
Can I transfer my ticket to another participant if I dont want to go?
No, when you sign up, we collect essential information from you that is needed for health & safety reasons. If you wish to pass your ticket to someone else, you will need to cancel it and have it reissued for the new person. It should also be said that if you are walking with someone else, you will need individual tickets for each participant.
What is the minimum age to take part in a walk?
Walkers should be 16 years of age to take part on their own. If they are under 16 they will need to attend the walk with a parent or guardian.
What clothing and footwear should I wear? Will I need other supplies such as food and drink?
We recommend you wear suitable walking footwear for each walk and bring suitable clothing for every weather condition despite the forecast. You are responsible for ensuring you are well equipped for each walk. You are also responsible for bringing food and drink as needed and we actively encourage taking plenty of drinking water on each walk. You should also bring sun cream and wear hats if the weather is particularly hot.
