Events
Spring Water Festival and AGM
Our Eco Fair is taking place on Western Lawns, near Bistrot Pierre and the Lansdowne Hotel.
It is on Saturday, 9th May 2026. It starts at 10.00 am and goes on until 3.00 pm.
Plastic Free Eastbourne’s annual Eco Fair is a vibrant celebration of sustainability, community action, and local creativity. With more than 40 stalls arranged into themed “villages”- including Food, Crafts, Market, Community, and Campaigning. Visitors can explore a wide range of eco-friendly products, local talent, practical solutions, and inspiring initiatives. The Opening Ceremony takes place at 1pm in the Events Village Square, where the Mayor, local MP, our Gold Sponsor, and Plastic Free Eastbourne’s Community Leader will officially launch the festival. Throughout the day, families can enjoy activities such as the Kidical Mass Cycle Ride, puppet shows, and hands-on environmental games.
We encourage everyone to travel to the Eco Fair as sustainably as possible: walk, cycle, use public transport, or share car journeys where needed. True to our mission, the event is completely free of single-use plastics, with fresh drinking water available from the council-supported refill station. Visitors are asked to bring reusable bottles and embrace the principles of our campaign to eliminate plastic bottles, balloons, cling film, takeaway cups, and other harmful single-use items from Eastbourne. The Eco Fair is more than an event – it’s a community celebration of positive change and a chance to help shape a cleaner, greener future for our town.
Find out more below
Plastic Free Eastbourne AGM
Plastic Free Eastbourne’s Annual General Meeting brings together our community groups, volunteers, partner organisations, and supporters to reflect on the progress we’ve made and plan the year ahead.
It’s a space where everyone – businesses, schools, environmental groups, residents, and local leaders – can share ideas, celebrate achievements, and raise the issues that matter most to them. By listening to each other and recognising the work happening across Eastbourne, we ensure our efforts remain truly community-led.
At the AGM, we work collaboratively to set priorities, develop new projects, and strengthen partnerships that benefit the whole town. Whether it’s expanding our Refill Station network, organising major events, supporting Plastic Free Businesses, or launching new campaigns, every initiative is shaped by the people who care about Eastbourne’s future. Together, we build a shared vision for the year ahead—one rooted in cooperation, commitment, and collective action for a cleaner, greener, plastic-free Eastbourne.
Eco Fair
What makes the Eco Fair truly special is how it connects the entire community. Families, businesses, schools, charities, and local organisations all gather in one place to share ideas, showcase local talent, and inspire positive action. With activities such as the Kidical Mass Cycle Ride, puppet shows, hands-on workshops, and interactive games, the fair is bursting with energy and offers something for all ages. It’s an event that welcomes everyone, whether you’re eco-curious or already an environmental champion and creates a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose.
At its heart, the Eco Fair is about working together to build a cleaner, greener, plastic-free Eastbourne. By encouraging sustainable transport, promoting reusable bottles over single-use plastics, and highlighting local environmental initiatives, the Eco Fair empowers visitors to make small, meaningful changes that add up to a big impact. It’s a celebration of community strength, environmental action, and the belief that together, we can protect the town we love.
Once you experience it, you’ll want to be part of it every year.
Eco Fair Allies - Our Supporters
Energise Sussex Coast
Energise Sussex Coast gives free advice on anything from problem energy and water bills, to energy saving measures and insulation, solar and heat pumps. Come along and meet an adviser and play some games and win some energy saving equipment for your home! We’ll also be joined by Ovesco, our partner organisation in the west of the county, and volunteer Energy Champions. www.energisesussexcoast.co.uk
Medi Tech Trust
We are a charity based in Hailsham and part of our remit is to recycle unused sealed medical consumables that have been prescribed to patients but not used.
When they are not used – due to recovery or end of life – they cannot be returned to the NHS and would end up in landfill. We recycle them to war zones, and low income countries, and in some instances where they can be re-used in the UK to food banks.
It is quite a shock to most people when they see so much waste.
We work with many GP practices in all of East Sussex, but would like to get our message across to the public wherever we can and thought that there might be an opportunity at your Eco Fair.
Please take a look at our website www.meditechtrust.org which has some information on what we do.
Kidical Mass
Kidical Mass Eastbourne is a joyful, family-friendly cycle ride that brings children, parents, and the whole community together to celebrate safe, sustainable travel. As part of the Eco Fair, it sets the tone for the entire day, colourful, energetic, and full of positivity.
Over 60 riders take to the streets to show how fun and accessible cycling can be for everyone. The ride doesn’t just promote cleaner air and safer streets for young people; it also shines a spotlight on Eastbourne as a forward-thinking, community-driven town that embraces active travel and environmental action.
Somei Back
I am an Eco Crafter and only work with materials destined for the recycling bank, eg: paper/magazines, bottles, plastic containers, tins, flowers, leftover threads and linen.
My original goal had been to make waste baskets from waste paper (which I completed) which led me creating more baskets, waterproof plant pot holders, lanterns, hardy rugs, place mats, linen baskets.
Blue Heart
This year’s Blue Heart stand features some of our partners, showcasing their projects. We’ll have hands-on activities from our SuDS for Schools programme for families to try; Ed Barsley will be sharing his completed Augmented Reality map of the Shinewater area and gathering feedback; Strandliners will be talking about their water quality testing project and recruiting volunteers to help create the Museum of Water
Eastbourne Sea Swimmers
Eastbourne Sea Swimmers
We congregate on the beach opposite Langham Hotel on every Saturday and Sunday at 9am in the water. Eastbourne Sea Swimmers take a dip in the English Channel together every weekend rain or shine.
we are a group of friends who swim together. We swim at our own risk and there is no lifeguard or structured support.
Eastbourne Food Partnership
Eastbourne Food Partnership CIC is an umbrella organisation whose purpose is to facilitate, champion and support local groups, community projects, local food growers, producers and retailers, to help ensure that everyone in Eastbourne has access to healthy, local, affordable food.
Eastbourne Food Partnership brings together communities, individuals and organisations that are committed to creating a more equitable, sustainable and diverse food system in Eastbourne. We believe that everyone in Eastbourne should be able to enjoy good food and participate in a diverse, equitable and sustainable local food culture.
Beautifully Me By Terri
Hi, I’m Terri, I am an Independent Tropic Ambassador and I run Beautifully Me By Terri. Tropic is all about fresh, natural beauty that’s as kind to the planet as it is to your skin. Every product is packed with sustainably sourced, plant-powered ingredients, and everything is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and freshly made in the UK. They’re passionate about ethical beauty, from using eco-friendly packaging to supporting charitable causes through their profits. Whether you’re after glowing skincare, gorgeous makeup, or body care treats, Tropic makes it easy to feel good inside and out. It’s not just about looking beautiful – it’s about making a real difference too, one product at a time!
Friends of the Earth
We will be promoting how to encourage biodiversity in nature and protect our environment. We will have some practical ideas such as how to sow wildflowers in gardens and planting seeds in pots. We will have colourful charts to demonstrate herbs and flowers that attract pollinators.
I will have sign up sheets for people who may want to join our local Friends of the Earth group and have information about our latest project – Wildflowers at 5 Acre Field in Eastbourne.
Fox & Bee Clothing
Here at Fox & bee clothing all our clothes are handmade by me , we are based in Eastbourne and have a studio / shop in ESK Gardening centre ( near the cafe )
All our clothing is made from organic cotton, they are breathable and suitable for children’s delicate skin.
All my children suffer with eczema & I have 2 children who are on the spectrum , they have sensory issues with clothing ,
This is how I started making clothes .. I needed to make items that where suitable for there sensitive skin , but also made them feel comfortable when moving around.
They love wearing my clothes , we even offer to put the seams on the outside .. this is how my kids loved to wear my clothes at first .
The idea is we make this bespoke outfit to suit your needs, it could be adding slightly longer length or slightly bigger waist, anything to make the garment last longer .
South East Water
From flushing the loo to making a brew and everything else we do each day, we’re constantly using water in our homes.
The south east of England is one of the most water-stressed areas in the UK. With a growing population, more homes, and climate change, we all need to save water. This makes sure there’s enough water for everyone, and for our plants and wildlife.
Over 70 per cent of Earth is water, but only 1 per cent can be safely used for drinking water.
When everyone turns on their taps, has a shower or uses the dishwasher at the same time, it can put pressure on our water supply network.
That’s why we’re asking you to make a few simple changes at home to save water. This means there’s more water for everyone, and more water stays in the environment.
On our stall at this years Spring Water Festival we’ll be giving away free water saving devices and offering advice and tips on being more water efficient in the home so come and have a chat!
UniMaKe Design
Stands for “textile creations for a brighter future”. Combining fabrics with vibrant prints and bold coloured plains to create unique, reusable, washable, colourful and recyclable Accessories, Home Furnishings, Kitchen Useful’s and Gifts. I want my creations to brighten up my customers lives and support them in living a sustainable lifestyle.
My creations are made of 95% cotton fabrics which I can use across my whole range of products, leaving me with less than 5% wastage. I also offer free lifelong repairs “Don’t ditch it, stitch it!”
“Cover Up“ Fabric Lids for bowls and dishes, Drawstring Bags, Hairbands, Reusable Giftbags,
Reusable Breadbags, Snood/Beanies, Keyrings, Cushion Covers, Aprons, Different size Zip
Pouches
https://www.instagram.com/unimakedesign/
Greenpeace
In 2024, the world saw the hottest year ever recorded, and climate change is only getting worse. As extreme storms, floods, and typhoons become more frequent, the people who’ve done the least to cause this crisis are the ones paying the highest price.
We will be bringing an exhibition to the eco fair
https://www.facebook.com/share/14EF1SAR8bD/
which shares the powerful, personal stories of those on the frontlines of climate change. Through images of treasured belongings destroyed in typhoons, alongside audio recordings and video interviews with those who’ve suffered first-hand, we invite you to experience the stories of Filipino communities at breaking point and find out how you can help.
Each photograph and story represents not just a loss, but a call for change. It’s a reminder that the climate crisis is not distant—it’s happening now. We stand together in solidarity, demanding action from those most responsible.
Come, see the exhibition, hear their voices, and join our movement for climate justice. Together, we can fight for a better, more just future for everyone.
Sewing with Recycling in Mind
Reusing, repurposing and recycling have been part of my
life ethos since I can remember. Sewing too has been part
of that whether it’s altering and mending garments or
making household products to help others make those
small step changes towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
I have decorated the tree with white pom-poms made from
bridal veil offcuts, reusable makeup remover pads both
crochet and fabric and small Christmas trees from recycled
snooker baize.
Find me on Instagram ‘Ruth Woodhams’ to see a selection
of my projects and do please take a card if you have a
garment that needs mending or altering either for now or in
the future.
Promenade arts trail
The Promenade arts trail is open in the seven participating hotels in public areas, 10:00 to 22:00
Hydro Hotel – Library and Conservatory
The Lansdowne Hotel -Regency Bar and opposite Willingdon Lounge
The View Hotel – Lobby, foyer book shelves and first floor reception book shelves
West Rocks Hotel – Middle reception room
Hotel Cumberland – Devonshire Bar and Derwent Room
York House Hotel – Varandah Bar
East Beach Hotel -Sun lounge entrance
Promenade art trail with the theme of water is hosted by Eastbourne’s leading hotels. Enjoy walking the promenade, stopping to view contemporary art in the hotels’ public bars, and restaurants.
From May to September the theme is Water and from September to May the theme is Land.
Compass Arts continues, revealing new and different perspectives through the eyes of neurodivergent artists.
This event forms part of the Eastbourne Spring Water Festival 25 between 9th and 19th May 2025
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Tent Totes
My mindspace’s fabrics are all reclaimed from sheds, drawers and fabric stashes or come from old shirts and dresses or from fabric sample books. Scraps of gorgeous cotton or linen fabrics are put to use on notebooks and sketchbooks. They will feel wonderful to use and still look great when full and can be kept on your shelf with your ideas or sketches kept safely knowing that these beautiful items are also reclaiming lost fabric.
XR Rebellion Block Printing Workshop
We run an XR block printing workshop where people can bring their old clothes for a new lease of life. Block printing will be suitable for older children and adults. There is no charge for this workshop but we will be asking people if they could make a donation to XR. We also have some pre-printed clothes (including some baby and children’s clothes) that people can also have in exchange for a donation to XR.