Lightning Fibre Launches Creative Workshops Sponsorship for Eastbourne Carnival 2026
Following the spectacular Eastbourne Carnival 2025, Lightning Fibre is proud to once again sponsor the Eastbourne Carnival Creative Workshops that run from February to May 2026.
Last year’s Carnival theme, “Celebrations of the World,” saw over 55 parade entries, with approximately 1,600 participants taking part in the vibrant, nearly mile-long parade along Eastbourne’s seafront. Featuring floats, live music, dance groups and international costumes, the event attracted an estimated 15,000 spectators.
Emma Pearce, Head of Marketing at Lightning Fibre, met Mina O’Brien, Chair of Eastbourne Carnival to celebrate this year’s collaboration.
As Creative Workshop Sponsor in 2025, Lightning Fibre is supporting 15 free creative workshops for the local community across Eastbourne. Working alongside acclaimed costume band Sunshine International Arts, from the world-famous Notting Hill Carnival, the workshops helped entrants with costume design, prop making and performance – helping groups bring their creative visions to life.
Lights, Camera, Action for 2026
Eastbourne Carnival returns on Saturday 23rd May 2026 with an exciting new theme: “Lights, Camera, Action.” Inspired by film, television, theatre and musicals, this year’s theme invites entrants to celebrate Eastbourne’s rich cultural identity as a theatre town and draw inspiration from their favourite stage and screen productions.
Lightning Fibre is delighted to be returning as Headline Sponsor of the Creative Workshops for 2026 - dates to be announced soon. They will offer more opportunities for community groups, schools and performers to get involved.
The Lightning Fibre Creative Workshops for 2026 will include:
- Costume workshops
- Prop making
- Sewing workshops
- Headdress workshops
- Dance and performance workshops
Eastbourne Carnival will also be working closely with local Coastal Schools to encourage greater school participation, alongside the introduction of a brand-new award category; Best School Entry Award.
Carnival Day Highlights
The main Carnival Parade will commence at 2pm, travelling from Fisherman’s Green to The Wish Tower, officially opened by the Mayor of Eastbourne. The day will also feature the Carnival Street Party from 4:30pm at Victoria Place.
Following the parade, the much-loved Public Vote will return, giving spectators the chance to vote for their favourite entry. Alongside existing awards, 2026 will introduce two new categories:
- Best Community Entrant
- Best School Entry
Supporting Creativity and Community
Eastbourne Carnival is a CIC organised by a dedicated volunteer committee, many of whom have been involved since Carnival’s return in 2011. Lightning Fibre is proud to continue supporting an event that promotes creativity, inclusion and community spirit.
Registration for Carnival 2026 entrants and volunteers can be found on their website. Further details on workshop dates, venues and booking information will be available soon too.
If you have any questions about entering the Carnival, please contact info@eastbournecarnival.com.
A Little About Us
Lightning Fibre is a local, independent full fibre broadband provider, proudly connecting homes and businesses across East Sussex with hyperfast, future-proof internet.
If you’d like to know whether we’re available in your area, simply do a postcode check on our website, give us a call on 01323380260 (8am–8pm daily), or visit our friendly team at our Eastbourne shop in the Enterprise Shopping Centre (9am–5pm, Mon–Fri). If you're a business exploring connectivity options, drop us a line at business@lightningfibre.co.uk.
