The fun and frivolity of the festive season may be nearly over for another year, but don’t let that stop you getting out and about as we head into January! There’s lots going on to welcome in 2025 from a New Year’s Day dip and more pantomimes, to concerts, workshops and of course Twelfth Night celebrations. Read on for details of what’s on in East Sussex this January.
New Year’s Dip, The Gallivant, Camber
Wednesday, 1 January, 12pm to 1:30pm
Start the New Year with a refreshing wild swim on Camber Sands, led by an expert wild swim coach. Join the swimmers for this invigorating dip in the sea, perfect for clearing the mind and embracing new beginnings.
Afterwards, warm up with a comforting hot drink back at The Gallivant. This event is free for the community, however people are asked to consider giving a donation to The Gallivant’s partner charity, Blood Cancer UK.
New Year’s Day Concert, Eastbourne Bandstand, Eastbourne Seafront
Wednesday, 1 January
The Bandstand will be packed again this year as the traditional New Year concert returns to the south coast with fantastic festive entertainment, and it is all free.
A popular and long-standing tradition, the Christmas and New Year concerts began when the Bandstand was first built back in 1935 and have been a regular festive attraction ever since.
Cinderella, Icklesham Memorial Hall & Pavilion, Icklesham
Thursday, 16 January to Saturday, 18 January
Only magic can save the day when Cinderella’s ugly stepsisters try to stop her from going to the Prince’s Ball – but will she go? What will happen at the Palace when the clock strikes twelve? You must go to the Ball to find out how the tale unfolds!
A fabulously, fast-paced, family friendly pantomime written with enough songs, jokes and laughs to fill the grandest of ballrooms.
Hansel and Gretel Pantomime, Little Common Community Centre, Little Common
Thursday, 16 January to Saturday, 18 January
A family pantomime at the Shepherd’s Theatre in Little Common Community Centre.
Come along for songs, silliness and lots of laughter!
Forage & Nibble workshop, Butts Brow, Eastbourne
Friday, 17 January
Join a 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild snack.
The focus of the workshop is on the 4 ‘F’s of Foraging: Fungi, Fruit, Flowers and Foliage. Spend the day learning how to forage with your tutor and then be treated to a ‘wild snack’ to put it all into context.
The Paint Club at Ninkaci, Unit 9, The Enterprise Centre, Eastbourne
Tuesday, 21 January
Join a relaxed evening of painting, socialising, some nibbles and drinks at Ninkaci in Eastbourne.
At this month’s Paint Club, participants will be painting a zebra.
Games Fest, White Rock Theatre, Hastings
Saturday, 25 January and Sunday, 26 January
Calling serious gamers, casual console players and anyone in search of something fun to do with family and friends!
Games Fest is coming to The White Rock Theatre offering three sessions of pure gaming glee. Pick a game, take your place at the table and participate in the competitions and tournaments that will be running across the weekend.
Fossils at the Museum, Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, Hastings
Saturday, 25 January
Join Philip Hadland, local fossil expert and museum curator, for an overview of local fossils and the history of the collections at the museum.
You’ll have the opportunity to see some important local finds from behind the scenes, come face to face with some of the collectors of the past and ask questions. Suitable for all ages.
Bexhill After Dark
Saturday, 25 January, 4pm to 8pm
Bexhill After Dark returns in 2025 and is the perfect way to get yourself in the mood for 2025 after the chaotic and busy holidays.
This fabulous Light Art Festival promises to bring you illuminated wonders crafted by talented professionals and enthusiastic members of the local and wider community. For a taster, watch this video of last year’s event.
Twelfth Night Tudor Wassail, Michelham Priory House & Gardens, Upper Dicker
Saturday, 25 January
Come along to a magical event of dancing, drumming, fire and feasting to bless the trees and wish them good health for the year ahead!
Bring along a musical instrument, decorate yourself in foliage and feathers and join the torchlit procession to wake the apple trees from their slumber, scare away evil spirits and celebrate winter as the Tudors did.
The event will be led by traditional experts, who will help transport you back 500 years to when Wassailing was common across Sussex.
Big Garden Birdwatch
Friday, 24 January to Sunday, 26 January
Big Garden Birdwatch is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey. Every year, hundreds of thousands of nature lovers take part, helping to build a picture of how garden birds are faring. Spend an hour watching the birds in your patch, between 24 and 26 January, and record the birds that land.
Don’t forget to tell the RSPB what you saw (even if that’s nothing at all!). Results can be submitted online or by post.
You can find out more about the count and how to get involved in our article about the 2023 event.
Finally, don’t forget there is always something happening in our libraries across East Sussex; discover the January events taking place at your local library.
This is just a small selection of events happening locally in January. If you have an event you’d like to share, please let us know in the comments.
Image – Bexhill After Dark 2024, credit Sarah Reddin
