Taking place on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August 2026 at the Western Lawns, the event promises two days of live DJs, vocal performances and sunset party vibes beside the sea.

For guests staying at the The Lansdowne Hotel, Bournefest is perfectly located. The hotel sits directly opposite the Western Lawns, meaning the main festival entrance and performance areas are only around a 2–3 minute walk away along the promenade. With no need for taxis or transport, visitors can move easily between the festival and the comfort of the hotel throughout the weekend.

Bournefest is a brand-new addition to Eastbourne’s summer events calendar and aims to combine the atmosphere of a major dance festival with the relaxed setting of the Sussex coast. The festival focuses heavily on old-school dance classics, house music, UK garage and feel-good throwback anthems, creating an event designed for daytime partying and sunset celebrations beside the sea.

Early artist announcements for 2026 already include well-known names from the UK dance and garage scene such as Artful Dodger, Oxide & Neutrino, DJ Luck & MC Neat, Shola Ama, Baby D, Jaguar Skills and Lisa Maffia. Organisers have described the event as “sun, sea and nonstop anthems,” with performances expected across both afternoons and evenings.

The location is one of the festival’s biggest attractions. The Western Lawns are positioned directly on Eastbourne seafront between the Wish Tower and the iconic Victorian promenade. Festivalgoers will be surrounded by sea views, beach access and the elegant architecture that makes Eastbourne one of the South Coast’s best-loved seaside resorts. Many visitors are expected to combine the festival with time on the beach, walks along the promenade and evenings in the town’s bars and restaurants.

Staying at the The Lansdowne Hotel provides a major advantage during the busy festival weekend. Instead of dealing with parking restrictions and transport queues, guests can simply step outside and walk straight into the event area. The hotel also offers easy access to nearby attractions including Eastbourne Pier, Holywell and Beachy Head, all within walking or short driving distance.

The wider Eastbourne music scene continues to grow, with local venues and events regularly praised by visitors and residents alike for their friendly atmosphere and live entertainment culture. Online discussions frequently highlight the town’s relaxed nightlife, live music venues and strong community atmosphere, particularly during summer festival weekends.

With its combination of major dance acts, beachside setting and central seafront location, Bournefest 2026 looks set to become one of Eastbourne’s standout summer events. For visitors staying at the The Lansdowne Hotel, the festival could hardly be closer, offering the perfect mix of music, seaside scenery and convenience.