Huge crowds for Eastbourne's free New Year's Day Concert

On New Year’s Day 2026, the Eastbourne Silver Band (ESB) performed a free community concert at the Wish Tower Slopes to ring in the new year.

The performance began at 11:00 AM on January 1, 2026, at the Wish Tower Slopes, a seafront location serving as the band's temporary home while the iconic Eastbourne Bandstand under goes safety repairs.

The concert featured a mix of festive favorites, movie themes, traditional carols, and party hits.

During the event, the band collected donations for St Wilfrid’s Hospice and Children with Cancer, continuing their tradition of supporting local charities.

Large crowds gathered despite cold weather, following a similarly successful Christmas Day performance. 

The 2026 New Year's concert marks the start of the Eastbourne Silver Band’s 75th anniversary year. 

I was Founded in 1950, the band was established with a donation from Gilbert Foyle (of Foyles bookshops) to purchase its first set of silver brass instruments.

Musical Director Marcus Plant announced plans for a community show at the Winter Gardens in May 2026. The band also hopes to perform at the reopening of the Eastbourne Bandstand, which the council aims to have ready for the Summer 2026 season.