I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen them with my own eyes, but arguably the two biggest stars of all time ARE alive and well – and rocking it in Eastbourne!

A week last Friday, as I was meandering up the seafront promenade trying to get my tired, irate one-year-old to sleep in her pram, I literally almost collided with The King.  Tall, pouty, glossy black hair and oozing coolness, I felt myself go weak at the knees…  Although maybe that’s because my three-year-old had chosen that moment to jump on my back and shout ‘giddeeeup mummy!’.

Sadly duty called with late-night check ins and I couldn’t make it to the concert that night, but as the Eastbourne Bandstand is literally on our doorstep, we only had to open doors and windows for the rock ‘n’ roll fever to spread through The Guesthouse East.

This weekend there was no chance I was going to miss out when I heard my childhood crush – Michael Jackson – was performing in town.  With my equally-fanatical friend by my side, I bopped and sang in delight to ‘Beat It’, ‘Billie Jean’ and a host of other classics – including some Jackson 5 favourites.

OK, so we did really know that these were tribute acts, but does it hurt to dream a little?  And they look soooo much like the real thing.  In fact, a little too much like them for their own good it seems.  One of Michael Jackson’s backing dancers was staying with us at The Guesthouse East and explained that their whole tour is cloaked in secrecy, with even the dancers only finding out where they are going on departure.  Apparently fake ‘Michaels’ have been targeted by stalkers in the past…   I’m saying nothing.

Sarah

Apparently Eastbourne has been touting itself as the New Brighton for yonks but maybe the hype is finally morphing into reality.

It remains a curious blend of old school chintz (certainly east of the pier), historical glamour and aspirational charm – the property development, Gresham House, next to us here at The Guesthouse East on Hartington Place sums it up rather well. Regency splendour with the beautiful Grade II-listed villas converted into urban chic and swanky apartments. The ‘Sold’ boards outside confidently assert that the London-esque prices haven’t deterred all despite the chill economic conditions.

There is a recognition that the town should embrace sentimentality (with 75th birthday celebrations for the Eastbourne bandstand this year) whilst welcoming ‘The Dark Monarch – Magic and Modernity in British Art’ at the impressive (and new) Towner Gallery, which includes work by Damian Hirst.

Even the national press seem to have finally recognised the momentum and tackled the A27, with recent pieces in the weekend travel supp of The Times and Culture 24.

So I suggest you pencil in a date and brace yourself for more than simply Beachy Head. You might just be very pleasantly surpised.

Double suites at the boutique hotel The Guesthouse East start from only £70 per night, self-catering. Bed and breakfast also available. Check availability or ring 01323 722774.

Morris dancing, brass bands and dancing in the streets and on the beach. All in Eastbourne and all quite surreal. But the way my toddler was jigging about on my shoulders and the crowds I’d say it’s a huge success – we’re only taking a breather, waiting for friends and then we’ll be back out there for more shenanigans.

It might be icy, dicey and apparently a white Christmas around the UK but no one had told Eastbourne to conform. Tropical might be pushing it, but it’s definitely mild with a hint of freshness in the wind. Perfect for walking off too many Thorntons chocolates.

When we bought The Guesthouse East back in August I have to say I had no idea so much happened in Eastbourne and what a great position our B&B enjoys. A bit flukey but it helps explain why we’re always busy. Take a look to see if we have any rooms free and join in the antics!

One of the joys of having an Eastbourne B&B, with a glorious beach at the end of the road, is the easy access to fantastic fishing. Apparently. 

Having seen some beautiful sea bass being caught off the end of the pier during the week I spent at least two hours in the early hours getting excited about the planned trip for today – fishing from a canoe with a guest, opposite the bandstand. OK, it was wet, cold and with a storm brewing we headed home fishless. But not before seeing the beach fight scene for Brighton Rock played out about 14 times. And we still haven’t seen Helen Mirren. She’d have loved me, I’m sure, in my woolly hat, waterproofs and overwhelming smell of squid.

Not sure that Barry and Robin Gibb will be at the bandstand (I can definitely rule out Maurice…) but the tribute band Stayin’ Alive will be cranking out some tight harmonies on Eastbourne’s seafront on Friday September 18th.

Given that the 4-star, chic The Guesthouse East sits on Hartington Place, just 50m away from the bandstand, you won’t find an Eastbourne b&b better placed.

Last week in Eastbourne we had the Royal British Legion’s Women’s celebrations, and Princess Anne came to town. When I went to pick the children up from school I passed a brass band, in bear skin hats and red jackets, marching down the seafront in true Eastbourne style. Our bandstand is beautiful and if we sit in our garden on a Wednesday night from May to September we can hear the National Anthem being blasted about by a local operatic lady, followed by a weekly firework display.

On the evening of the Royal visit, Eastbourne seafront turned from traditional English, to LA! We had 50 people running in our Running Inn group, the local roller blade group were out in force, with boom box and flashing lights. It was a hive of activity, and full of life – young life.

This weekend sees the start of regular Friday night music on the bandstand – this week it’s the Bee Gees, next week Abba (alright, not the real thing – but next best!)… We’ve got Jimmy Carr at the theatre one week, Agatha Christie the next. It’s unique here. Traditional seaside, mixed in with a fresh, healthy, vibrant hub of activity…

<ps – my 12 year old son tells me there’s a ‘We’re not old in Eastbourne’ group – I must link to it!>